Isla de Convalescencia (Manila)

 island, place with historical importance

Literally: Island of Convalescence

The largest island (technically an eyot) of the River Pasig, connected to either bank by Ayala Bridge. It is attested to since at least the Spanish Era, initially named the Hospicio General.

The Hospicio de San José was established in October 1778 by Don Francisco Gómez Enríquez and his wife, Doña Barbara Verzosa. After being cured of a fever, Don Gómez Enríquez donated the sum of ₱ 4,000 to found the hospice that would take care of Manila’s “poor and unwanted children”, physically and mentally handicapped, and aging people.

Formerly located in the Panadacan district, it was transferred to Intramuros, Binondo, Nagtahan, and Echague. In 1810, the Hospicio was permanently relocated to Isla de Convalecencia, and by Royal Decree, governed by a Board of Directors chaired by the Archbishop of Manila since 27 December 1810. On 1 June 1866, through the suggestion to the Governor-General of the Philippines by a benefactor named, Doña Margarita Rojas the operation of the hospice became the responsibility of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Comprises Brgy. 663-A, Zone 71, Ermita, Manila