BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (10 October) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Health Reform Agenda(RHA) here received financial boost as the European Union (EU) expressed positive response for a multi-million grant to fund RHA programs and projects in the province.

Dr. Antonio Parong, Department of Health (DOH) team leader said the P40.2 million funding assistance is a continuation of the country's comprehensive health program crafted during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos and was further strengthened with President Arroyo.

Once released, Parong said the fund which is part of the country's multi-billion peso Comprehensive Health Reform Agenda (CHRA), spearheaded by the DOH's Health Sector Development Project (HSDP) aims to operationalize the FOUR-mula 1 program.

The FOUR-mula 1, Parong added seeks to strengthen DOH local government unit partnership in improving health services for the marginalized communities to 16 selected provinces which includes Nueva Vizcaya.

The project specifically targets the improvement and efficiency of health governance, service delivery, regulation and health financing which are the pillars of the Arroyo administration's revitalized CHRA.

"The negotiation is now on its final phase and the funding for the province will soon be finalized," Parong said.