BACOLOD CITY – A multi-million state-of-the-art medical building was inaugurated at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos here on Tuesday, March 4.
DR. Olivia Villaflores Yanson (center), accompanied by son Leo Rey (second from right) and daughter Ginnette Yanson-Dumancas (left) and Rev. Fr. Bernard Amparado, OAR, prior, OAR Province of Saint Ezekiel Moreno, lead the inauguration of the Dr. Olivia V. Yanson College of Allied Medical Health Sciences Building at the University of Negros Occidental- Recoletos (UNO-R) in Bacolod City on Tuesday, March 4. (Glazyl Masculino)
The three-story Dr. Olivia V. Yanson College of Allied Medical Health Sciences Building was donated by the Yanson matriarch Olivia V. Yanson.
Construction began in March 2024 and completed last January. Amount spent for construction was not disclosed.
Yanson, accompanied by her son Leo Rey and daughter Ginnette Yanson-Dumancas and UNO-R school officials, led the inauguration.
Olivia was elated at seeing the project come to life and emphasized its significance to the university’s medical and health sciences students. She called the building an opportunity for them to pursue their dreams of becoming lifesavers who are unsung heroes of modern society.
“My heart is filled with joy seeing this building come to fruition. Today marks another milestone for your students who are dedicated to pursuing medical and health courses,” she said.
Olivia, originally from Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, emphasized her desire to help those in need and reflected on her life’s purpose.
A registered nurse by profession, she said that she felt called to something greater than her initial career.
“I realized my mission in life is to help the sick and comfort the weak. These humanitarian works are closest to my heart, as they give me peace and solace, knowing I’ve touched the lives of those who cannot afford proper medical care,” Yanson said.
She entrusted the new building to UNO-R and expressed hope that it would become a second home for the future healthcare professionals, fostering a deep love and service to others.
“I hope that when they go out into the real world, they will carry with them the spirit of humanitarian service to our less0fortunate brothers and sisters,” she said.
In August 2023, UNO-R awarded Yanson an honorary degree for her philanthropic contributions. She received a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management (Honoris Causa).
Yanson is the owner of the country’s largest bus company which was founded in 1968 and has employed over 18,000 people.
Rev. Fr. Joel Alve, OAR, UNO-R president, highlighted the building’s state-of-the-art facilities, which include modern classrooms, unconventional laboratories, and clinical simulation centers.
It will also house research centers where both faculty and students can conduct innovative research in allied health sciences.
“This is a significant milestone for UNO-R, as it underscores our commitment to providing students with the best resources and education in allied health sciences,” Alve said.
He said that students should take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the building and strive for excellence guided by Saint Augustine’s words “Love and do what you will.”
Alve called on the faculty and staff to work together to create a legacy of innovation, compassion, and service.
“Let us guide our students with patience and wisdom as they embark on their journey to become skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals,” Alve said.
He thanked the Yansons for their generous donation and recognized Olivia as a distinguished alumna and a passionate advocate for healthcare education.
“Her vision and support have made this building a reality, and we are deeply grateful to her and her family for this remarkable contribution,” he said.
The building will house students taking up medical technology, pharmacy, and nursing.