ROXAS VOWS HELP TO FERNANDEZ QUINTUPLETS

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today committed to provide financial assistance and to help purchase antibiotic drugs for the treatment of the Fernandez quintuplets, two of whom remain in critical condition, at the neo-Intensive Care Unit of the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

Roxas and fiancee Korina Sanchez visited the quintuplets and their parents Lorita and Gary Fernandez at the JRMMC, to whom they pledged assistance for their hospital bills. The couple likewise stood as primary sponsors during the baptism of the newly-born babies at the hospital

"Nagpunta po kami dito para magbigay ng tulong pinansiyal nang sa gayon ay magka-access sa gamot ang mag-asawang Fernandez. Napakamahal ng gamot na kailangan ng kanilang mga anak at nais nating matulungan ang mag-asawa," Roxas said.

He promised to facilitate and pay for the Surfactan injectibles requirement of the quintuplets, which JRMMC acting Director Emmanuel Montana said was necessary for the complete development of the babies' lungs.

Fr. Tony Labiao from the St. Peter Parish in Quezon City baptized the babies at the NICU, where two of the babies share an incubator. The babies were baptized Korina Ysabel, Maria Loralaine, Melodie Frances, Sarah Erika and Wenna Mavinia.

Roxas said he was awed when he learned that Lorita and Gary named two of their babies after him and Sanchez after watching the noontime show "Wowowee" where the senator and the broadcaster first confirmed their engagement.

"Magandang surpresa po sa amin na malamang pinangalanang Korina at Maria ang dalawa sa limang bata. Natuwa ang puso namin kaya kami nagpunta dito," Roxas said.

He added: "Kami po ay nagbibigay ng moral support at siyempre, iba pang suporta, sa mag-asawang sina Lori at Gary. Malaking tagumpay ang nakamit nila nung ipinanganak ang kanilang mga babies, 5 in 1 ito."

Sanchez vowed moral support for the Fernandez family, saying: "Ngayong ninong at ninang na kami, hanggang katandaan na ito."

Lorita Fernandez was in tears as she expressed her gratitude to the couple and to the other Good Samaritans who have been visiting her at the hospital, pledging and giving support - financial and others - for the quintuplets.

"Maraming, maraming, maraming salamat po sa lahat ng tumutulong sa amin, lalo na po kay Senador Mar at kay Ms. Korina sa pagdalaw nila sa akin at sa pagpayag na maging ninong at ninang ng aming mga anak," she said.