TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept 22 (PIA) — Best health services can now be availed of by the people of Region 8 with the opening of the new out-patient building of Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC).

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) formally turned over the new building to the Department of Health through Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell Ubial.

In her acceptance speech, Ubial expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Japanese government for helping the Philippine government in the construction of the new facility as part of Japan’s assistance to typhoon Yolanda rehabilitation and recovery.

“This is really a momentous occasion. To the Japanese government, thank you very much. We are grateful for all your assistance and help. This building is truly a testament to the Philippine Japanese close relationship,” Ubial said.

Ubial called the entire stretch of building now known as the new EVRMC as the miracle of typhoon Yolanda.

The 5, 616 sq. mt, three-storey building, a component of JICA’s 4.6B yen grant aid assistance for typhoon features windows that can withstand strong winds.

JICA’s chief representative Susumu Ito said that they brought Japanese know-how in building the facility using disaster resilient designs.

Aside from the turnover of the OPD building, a ground breaking ceremony of the blood center was held in same compound.

Present during the inauguration and turn over ceremony were Minister Atsushi Kuwabara of the Embassy of Japan, JICA chief representative Susumu Ito, ASEC Leonita P. Gorgolon, former DOH secretaries Enrique Ona and Janet Loreto Garin, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla, Congresswoman Victoria Noel of An Waray partylist, DOH regional director Minerva P. Molon, EVRMC chief of Hospital Dr. John Edward M. Coloma and other health personnel.(ajc/cba/PIA8)