TARLAC CITY -- At least P8.3 million worth of a modern and fully equipped diagnostic van was donated by Abby Watanabe and husband Noriharu to the Provincial Government of Tarlac aimed at providing health care to less fortunate Tarlaqueños.

Abby Watabe, who resides in Japan, is a native of Concepcion town said in a simple turnover ceremony in front of the provincial capitol.

“Governor Susan [Yap] in an informal chat asked me to donate a diagnostic van to be utilized as a mobile clinic aimed to reach far flung areas of the province and give medical care for our less fortunate fellow Tarlaqueños,” Watabe said in her message.

Yap and Watabe are close friends.

According to Watabe, she and Yap, together with Board Member Henry Cruz convinced her husband to donate a diagnostic van as a gesture of gratitude to the people of Tarlac.

“It was not that hard to convince my husband as he is a generous person. What rocked me is when he said that Tarlac is lucky to have Gov. Susan as our governor...as she really cares for her people,” Watabe said, adding that during her younger years, they cannot even afford to buy medicines because of poverty.

Yap and Vice Governor Carlito “Casada” David both thanked the Watabe couple for their generosity and love for Tarlaqueños.

“We wish Abby and her husband all the best for their philanthropic deeds for the people of Tarlac,” Yap said.

A Plaque of Recognition was given to the Watabe couple for their provision of a medical diagnostic van with complete facilities that will ensure that each Tarlaqueño has access to preventive and specialty health care that they need whenever they need it.

Also during the turnover ceremony, the provincial government handed a check worth P2 million to the Philippine National Red Cross-Tarlac Chapter Administrator Luciano Paras Jr. as part of the commitment of the capitol to the blood donation program. (Ric Sapnu)