North Cotabato health unit upgraded with P3.4-M Japanese assistance

MANILA, July 27 (PNA) — The rural health unit (RHU) of the municipality of Libungan in North Cotabato province has been upgraded with grant assistance of US$ 72,469 US dollars (about P3.4 million) from the Japanese government and will be turned over to local authorities today, Tuesday, July 27.

The old RHU was constructed in 1976 and was one of the oldest and inadequate health facilities in North Cotabato. It lacked space and basic medical equipment for quality health services for patients, who would come from the adjacent municipalities of Alamada, Banisilan and Pigcawayan. Thus, they were forced to wait for a long time to be provided health services.

With the grant assistance, a newly renovated health facility has been constructed and medical equipment was also provided. It is expected that the residents will enjoy an improved health service by the RHU.

The Japanese Embassy’s First Secretary, Tomonori Kikuchi, will attend the turnover ceremony.

The project is implemented under the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD), launched in December 2006 as part of its commitment to support peace and development efforts in Mindanao. (PNA)
LAP/GJB