Atty. Naguib G. Sinarimbo
Executive Secretary, ARMM
Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr.
Regional Secretary, DOH-ARMM
Engr. Titingalangit Sumagayan
Regional Secretary, DPWH-ARMM
Dr. Romeo G. Montaner
Chief of Hospital, Dr. Serapio B. Montaner Memorial Hospital
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is a great pleasure for me to attend the turnover ceremony of the Dr. Serapio B. Montaner Memorial Hospital and its Access Road. The project to improve the quality of medical services and facilities of the Dr. Serapio B. Montaner Memorial Hospital was funded by Japan through the ARMM Social Fund for Peace and Development. The project has strengthened the function of the hospital as a secondary hospital in the region. The project has repaired and renovated the main hospital building to provide healthier accommodation for patients, and also repaired and expanded its water supply system to improve the hygiene and sanitation.
In addition, the project to newly construct an access road to the Dr. Serapio B. Montaner Memorial Hospital was also funded by Japan through the ARMM Social Fund. The newly constructed road will maximize the utilization of the care and services of the hospital through safe and easy access of patients to the hospital.
The Government of Japan sincerely hopes that these assistance projects will provide positive impacts in terms of better health facilities and improved public health and safety. Moreover, I am pleased to mention that today's turnover of the two projects attests Japan's continued commitment to supporting the improvement of human basic needs of the people in ARMM even under the new Aquino administration.
I would like to take this opportunity to mention Japan's assistance policy for Mindanao, that is, “Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development” or “J-BIRD.” The J-BIRD was launched in 2006 to contribute to the peace process and development in the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao and the surrounding areas in the ARMM through its economic cooperation. The project to improve the Dr. Serapio B. Montaner Memorial Hospital and the project to construct its access road are also considered to be part of the J-BIRD projects. Thus, through various reconstruction and development efforts under the J-BIRD, Japan is committed to further advancing the Peace Process and to enabling the people and communities in the targeted areas to enjoy the “dividends of peace.”
In closing, we sincerely hope that the improved Dr. Serapio B. Montaner Memorial Hospital and the access road will provide enhanced hospital care and services for the people in ARMM. Also, please rest assured of the Government of Japan's continuous commitment and friendship to support efforts of the ARMM government to achieve its sustainable development.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Embassy of Japan in the Philippines