Speaker Frank F. Blas, Jr. has introduced Bill 230-38, legislation that would formally name the administrative and patient service buildings at Guam Memorial Hospital after Dr. Ramon Manalisay Sablan — the island’s first chamoru medical doctor and a pioneer in Guam’s healthcare history. 

The measure comes on the 55th anniversary of Dr. Sablan’s passing and aims to pay tribute to his lifelong dedication to serving the people of Guam, particularly during the Japanese occupation, when he was the sole CHamoru doctor providing secret medical care to thousands with the help of local nurses.

Speaker Blas says Dr. Sablan’s legacy broke barriers and continues to inspire generations of medical professionals, calling the recognition long overdue. The bill would also require the designated name to remain in place at any future Guam Memorial Hospital facility, ensuring his contributions are honored in perpetuity.

The speaker is encouraging community members, especially those in the medical field, patients, families, and historians, to participate and testify when the bill is heard in public session.