MARAWI CITY – When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, only one hospital catered to patients infected with the virus in Marawi City and the 39 municipalities of Lanao del Sur. Named after Maranao hero Amai Pakpak or Datu Akadir Akobar who resisted the Spanish colonial invaders, the Amai Pakpak Medical Center happens to be led by a woman physician, Dr. Shalimar Sani-Rakiin.Rakiin was appointed to head the facility starting in August 2018.
”Lanao del Sur has been dependent on Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, cities in the neighboring Northern Mindanao region, for its medical oxygen supply. But the rising demand has overwhelmed the manufacturers there, Minalang said. Aside from depleted stocks, he said, the refilling process was very slow, and the suppliers could no longer cope with the demand.Among all these issues and challenges, Rakiin remained steadfast with her leadership and guidance to the staff and members of the APMC.