Last January 4, 2010 the Lay Camillian Family of Manaoag opened a Maternity Center and Polyclinic in Manaoag, the Marian city in Pangasinan. Archbishop Socrates Villegas of the Archdiocese of Dagupan-Lingayen together with some Camillian priests presided over the Eucharistic celebration. The Provincial Governor, Hon. Amado Espina, cut the ribbon together with the Mayor of Manaoag and two Italian benefactors representing respectively the Province of Trent and the V. Carra Foundation of Modena.  The blessing of the Maternity Center and Polyclinic and a short program of gratitude offered to benefactors, friends and those helping in the putting up of the center were held one after the other. A large number of people graced the occasion.

The Camillian Family Foundation (CFF) of Manaoag is a lay association committed to live the Camillian spirituality and to spread the charism of St. Camillus in the country and in Asia. In the past ten years, the CFF of Manaoag has promoted several social and formation initiatives.  They have established a kindergarten in 2001, an Elementary School in 2003, a High School in 2004, a Nursing and Midwifery School in 2006 and now a Maternity Center and Polyclinic. All these institutions are located in a four hectare lot donated to the foundation by the Mendoza Family and constitute the “Citadel of St. Camillus” of Manaoag with more than 700 students.

The new three story building with a floor area of 1560 sq. m. has a 25 bed capacity and is equipped with a delivery room, operating room, laboratory, x-ray, pharmacy and other ancillary services. It aims to offer better medical assistance to the people of Manaoag and neighboring towns with particular attention to pregnant women and their children.  The structure will also serve as a training center for the students of the nearby St. Camillus College School of Nursing and Midwifery.

The above goals are in line with the spirit of St. Camillus who wanted to serve the sick with every perfection and, at the same time, to teach others to do the same. This is the “new school of charity” that St. Camillus founded and the CFF of Manaoag intends to revive and spread.