21/12/2025
DEDICATION OF MEYER’S LIBRARY
December 20, 2025
Message by: Ma. Cristina C. Danac-Delfin, MD, MBA, DPBA, FPSA
Good morning once again! We are now in Part II of our program.
This morning, we have just paid tribute to the Hopevale Martyrs. Among these courageous missionaries was Dr. Frederick Willer Meyer, a name that holds a special place in the history of Capiz Emmanuel Hospital. While he was not the first physician during the establishment of CEH, Dr. Meyer was the one who took the helm in 1919 and faithfully led this institution until his death in 1943. Through his leadership, CEH grew not only as a hospital, but as a mission of service, compassion, and faith.
There is no definite record as to when the Meyer’s Library was originally established, but it was named in honor of this remarkable man. When I first joined CEH, many doctors—both within the hospital and throughout Capiz—knew little of Dr. Meyer except as the first president of the Capiz Medical Society. However, after reading on his life’s work, his influence extended far beyond his years, shaping the medical and humanitarian landscape of this province. It was for this reason that he was posthumously honored by the Capiz Governor Vicente Bermejo on April 12, 2002 – a plaque of recognition for his “selfless service” to the province of Capiz.
Last year, I felt a strong desire that more people—especially the younger generation—should come to know Dr. Meyer and fully appreciate his immense contributions to CEH. From that desire, the idea of the Dr. Frederick Willer Meyer Memorial Lecture was born. Actually, a Dr. Meyer Memorial Lecture was conducted by the Capiz Medical Society, decades ago. But I felt that CEH should be the one to spearhead it since Dr. Meyer is one of their own.
To support this initiative, we undertook a modest fundraising effort through the publication of a souvenir program. While the funds raised were sufficient to cover the Memorial Lecture and the souvenir program, there was only a small amount left to address our second objective: that is, the renovation of the Meyer’s Library. This space, bearing Dr. Meyer’s name, deserved to be restored and made worthy of the legacy it represents. Despite the challenges, we persevered—and by God’s grace, we were able to see this project through. Though a lot still has to be done.
I am deeply grateful to Dr. Michelle Beluso-Almeida, Dr. Ricardo B. Dimayuga, Dr. Carlo Ben Losande, and Dr. Ma. Concepcion P. Noche, who generously helped solicit donors and benefactors. The unwavering support of the medical community and the CEH Active Medical Staff together with the Board of Trustees was equally invaluable. This achievement stands as a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together with shared purpose.
The first CEH Dr. Frederick Willer Meyer Memorial Lecture was held on December 20, 2024, at Nesta’s Garden Hall, with Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on of Central Philippine University as our inaugural Memorial Lecturer. A respected historian, Dr. Jalando-on has written extensively about Dr. Meyer’s life and mission in the Philippines. His lecture was both enlightening and deeply inspiring, allowing us to better understand Dr. Meyer—not only as a physician, but as a man of faith, conviction, and service.
More than an academic gathering, the Memorial Lecture serves as a bridge between generations—passing on the values exemplified by Dr. Meyer and the Hopevale Martyrs. It is our hope that Dr. Meyer’s convictions will continue to echo through the halls of Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, inspiring all who serve here.
May all who work for CEH be guided by the same commitment and dedication that defined Dr. Meyer’s life: to give what is due to CEH, to work for what is good for CEH, and to be steadfastly guided by the Mission and Vision of this institution.
Dr. Meyer envisioned CEH as a place of sanctuary and healing. May we continue to uphold that vision, so that CEH may always be known as a home of compassionate healing. As our motto reminds us, “We care. God heals.” And in all that we do, may we hold fast to the promise at the heart of our mission: “Emmanuel—God is with us.”
Thank you, and good morning.
