• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The state of the art Dr. Olivia V. Yanson College of Allied Medical Health Sciences Building at the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos campus in Bacolod City, the construction of which was financed by Yanson Group of Bus Companies (YGBC) matriarch Olivia Villarias Yanson, is now ready for use.
Yanson, accompanied by her two children, Leo Rey and Ginnette, yesterday turned over the building to UNO-R school officials led by its president, Rev. Fr. Joel Alve, in the presence of OAR priests, faculty members and students of medical related courses.
Yanson described the completion of the three storey building as another milestone in the lives of UNO-R students who are pursuing medical and health courses.
This three-storey building will provide another venue for the medical and health sciences students in pursuing their dreams to become lifesavers of our country – the unsung heroes of modern times, the YGBC matriarch said, as she stressed her joy of seeing the building come to its fruition.
Yanson, however, admitted that she is not comfortable at seeing her statue staring back at her, with the acrylic signage of her name hanging on the building.
“I do not like any fanfare and publicity. I am just a simple person from Bayawan City, Negros Oriental with aspirations to help the needy. I am simply driven by the saying ‘LORD, let me do now what I can do to help those you send to me today, because I may not be here tomorrow’”, she said.
To the medical and health sciences students, I was once like you. I am a registered nurse by profession but God gave me a bigger purpose. I realized that my mission in life is to help the sick and comfort the weak, Yanson, also said.
These humanitarian works are closest to my heart because it gives me peace and solace knowing that I touched the lives of many people who cannot afford efficient medical care, she stressed
She also fully entrusted the building to the care of Fr. Alve.
Make this building a second home for the future medical practitioners and instill in their hearts and minds the love and service to their fellowmen. So that, one day, when they go out to see the real world they will impart humanitarian service to our less fortunate brothers and sisters, Yanson, who is an alumna of UNO-R, told Fr. Alve.
In his welcome remarks, Fr. Alve said the occasion marks a significant milestone in the history of UNO-R, as it signifies their sincere commitment of providing their students with the best possible education and resources, and to excel in the field of allied health sciences.
He also described Yanson as a dedicated advocate for healthcare education, with her vision and support having made the new building a reality.
Alve said the state-of-the-art facility will provide their students with modern classrooms, unconventional laboratories and clinical simulation center, adding that it will also house research centers, where faculty and students can conduct innovative research that will push the boundaries of allied health sciences.
God has given us Dr. OVY to realize this dream, thus, I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities that this new building offers, he told the medical students.
In Aug. 30, 2023, UNO-R conferred Yanson with a honorary Doctorate Degree in Philosophy Major in Business Management, by recognizing her selfless work towards making the lives of many brighter and better.*
