The medical and health advocacy of SM Foundation is not confined to the conduct of medical and dental missions to needy barangays nor to the renovation of health centers and public hospitals alone. It has extended its advocacy to benefit the police and armed forces of the country, the foundation said in a press statement.
For several years now, SM Foundation has been renovating and refurbishing military facilities to make these more conducive to the recuperation of the country’s uniformed men and women who compromise their lives for the defense and security of the nation and actively participate in disaster relief and rescue operations.
Among the renovated and refurbished military facilities are the Heroes Ward & the Orthopaedic Ward of the AFP General Hospital formerly the V. Luna Hospital. The Air Force General Hospital in Pasay City; NAVSOG Sick Bay in Sangley Cavite; Air Force City Hospital in Clark, Pampanga; Camp General Aguinaldo Station Hospital in Quezon City; Fernando Air Base Hospital in Lipa City; Police National Training Institute in Canlubang Laguna; Camp Nakar Station Hospital in Lucena, Quezon; Fort Magsaysay Station Hospital in Cabanatuan; and the Pediatric Ward of the AFP General Hospital in Pasay City along with the out-patient ward of the Villamor Hospital in Pasay.
The most recent renovation done by SM Foundation is the Philippine Military Academy’s Fort Del Pilar Station Hospital in Baguio City. It is the 13th military facility to be renovated and refurbished by SM Foundation. It also hosts the 105th Felicidad T. Sy Wellness Center.
Renovated was the Operating and Delivery Room complex and the officers and cadets’ ward of the hospital. Aside from renovating its infrastructure, brand new medical equipment was also donated to support the hospital’s needs. This includes an anesthesia machine, OR LED lights, multi parameters monitors, ECG units, portable ultrasound machine, infusion pumps, heavy duty suction machine as well as other furnishings for the officers and cadets’ wards. The second phase of renovation will also continue the refurbishment of the cadets’ ward as well as the reconstruction of the second floor pediatric room and reception area which will become a Felicidad T. Sy Wellness Center for Children.
The 50-bed capacity hospital which dispenses medical services to cadets, military personnel and their dependents aside from authorized civilians, was downgraded last year because of its decrepit facilities. With the renovation and new equipment, the hospital’s level is expected to revert to its level 2 DOH-accreditation.
SM Foundation’s Executive Director for Health Connie Angeles said, “We at SM Foundation are deeply honored to be able to contribute to those who serve the country, specifically with the Philippine Military Academy, by way of donations and improvements of the Fort Del Pilar Station Hospital.”
“To our gallant men in uniform, we at SM Foundation will continue to support you,” said Angeles. “All for you dear soldiers, who risk their lives and limbs that we may enjoy the power of freedom.”