More than 17,000 people from 11 barangays in the municipality of Biliran, in its namesake province, are expected to receive improved health services from its health center, which recently underwent renovation through the corporate social responsibility program of BDO Foundation.
Typhoons damaged the Municipal Health Office of Biliran, causing cracks on its walls and leaks in at least two rooms. BDO Foundation, working with local government and health officials, addressed these damages, renovated the rural health unit, and installed new facilities.
The foundation improved the health center’s offices, consultation rooms, treatment rooms, dental clinic and birthing facilities. A play area with books and toys for children as well as a waiting lounge for senior citizens were also installed.
These improvements contribute to the achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 3, to ensure healthy lives and promote the well-being of people of all ages, officials of the foundation said.
The rehabilitation was graciously welcomed by Biliranons led by Mayor Grace Casil and Vice Mayor Angel Bacatano, who both attended the turnover ceremony. The event was also attended by BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito, BDO Foundation program director Rose Espinosa, and BDO Tacloban-Justice Romualdez branch head Dennis Mascariñas.
According to Mayor Casil, the rehabilitation of the municipal health office is in line with the local government’s efforts to significantly improve services in the town.
“From the bottom of our hearts and on behalf of the people of Biliran, thank you very much BDO Unibank and BDO Foundation,” she said.
The rehabilitation is in keeping with the disaster response advocacy of BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank. It is part of the foundation’s continuing efforts to help improve the delivery of primary healthcare services in disadvantaged communities affected by disasters.