As residents awaited the opening of a new bank branch in their municipality, BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, completed the rehabilitation of the rural health unit of this town of Calabanga in Camarines Sur.
The renovation of Municipal Health Office Calabanga, Camarines Sur is in line with the foundation’s disaster response advocacy and rehabilitation program in areas affected by disasters. The province was among those devastated by strong typhoons such as “Glenda,” “Lando” and “Yolanda.”
According to BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito, who led the inaugural ceremonies, “This project is part of our humble contribution to the achievement of the Philippine Health Agenda’s target of improving the local health services delivery network.”
“It is also our way of supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal for ensuring healthy lives. By working with the BDO branches and the local government units, we can find ways to improve the health, welfare and well-being of the people,” he added.
“The rehabilitation of the health office is BDO’s way of giving back to the community. We are finding ways for the people not only with our financial services but also through our corporate citizenship programs,” BDO Southern Luzon region head Gerry Diaz said in his speech during the turnover program.
The rehabilitated structure was turned over to local government and health officials in an event held in Calabanga which was also attended by BDO Foundation program director Rose Espinosa and BDO Bicol area head Jovi Alvarez, who recommended the health center to the foundation.
Also present in the event were BDO Naga-Plaza Rizal branch head Vanessa Borebor, BDO Naga-San Francisco branch head Romeo de Vera III, BDO Naga-Elias Angeles branch head Renato Tapel and BDO Camarines Sur-Calabanga branch head Vanessa Pruelo, manager of the new BDO branch in the municipality.
The rehabilitated Municipal Health Office Calabanga, Camarines Sur was graciously accepted by local officials led by Calabanga municipal mayor Eduardo Severo, Calabanga municipal vice mayor Ramoncito Robles and Calabanga municipal health officer Dr. Norradel Bolaños, M.D.
BDO Foundation improved the health center’s offices, clinics, consultation rooms, treatment rooms, breastfeeding station, play area for children, waiting lounge for senior citizens and birthing facilities.
The rural health unit averages around 20 births a month and serves close to 200 patients per week.