Empowering communities through healthcare

SM Foundation, Uniqlo upgrade 3 health centers in Rizal

Health centers in the Philippines became stalwart establishments that provided primary medical care to Filipinos in need, especially during the height of the pandemic. And as Filipinos began to see the value of health, the operations and traffic in health centers intensified.

Members of the community, young and old, can expect quality treatment
from the refurbished health centers.

The local health facilities stepped up and tended to various needs when hospitals became crowded from the surge of patients.

The Go Kit+ boosts local communities’ preparedness during medical emergencies
and disasters.

Seeing the need for well-prepared health centers throughout the country, SM Foundation and Japanese apparel designer and retailer UNIQLO collaborated to upgrade barangay health centers (BHCs) to help in catering to the medical needs of communities.

*Residents with communicable diseases can also receive treatment and medicine from the health centers.*

Through this collaboration, they were able to turn over three refurbished BHCs to the local governments of Taytay and Angono, Rizal, last November 29.

*The new BHCs promote accessible primary care for all members of the community, including children.*

The BHCs inaugurated were the ABNAI Barangay Health Station in Sta. Ana, Taytay, Rizal, the San Roque Barangay Health Station, and the Angono RHU. It marks the 11th, 12th, and 13th renovated health facilities under the partnership.

*The BHCs promote health and wellness in local grassroots communities while keeping regional hospitals from overcrowding.*

Spreading Social Good

“At SM, we believe that it is also our duty to empower grassroots communities through our various social good programs – aside from the socio-economic benefits that we bring to communities where we operate,” said Connie Angeles, the executive director for Health and Medical Programs of the SM Foundation.

*Dental services are now available at the Angono RHU II in Mahabang Parang.*

“For us, social good moves beyond charity but rather a commitment to supporting our communities in order to achieve sustainable growth and development. It means giving them the opportunity to take hold of their own destiny, allowing them to move towards progress, and empowering them to have safe, healthy, and productive lives.”

*Residents from Barangay San Roque enjoy basic medical procedures at the newly-refurbished BHC.*

She further stressed the relevance of BHCs, especially for areas located some miles away from the nearest hospital or medical centers. It can immediately respond to preventive and primary care services with its equipment and facilities, providing patients in barangays with prompt care while keeping local hospitals from overcrowding.

*SM Foundation and UNIQLO equip the BHCs with medicine and facilities to cater to the residents’ basic medical needs.*

The community-based health facilities will provide primary health services, maternal and child health care, immunization, vaccination for senior citizens, family planning, first-aid, and follow-up treatment for infectious diseases. The BHCs will also be the venue for COVID-19 vaccination to the targeted population.

BHCs can participate in a coordinated response during health emergencies and disasters to save lives and prevent unfavorable outcomes through its Emergency Go Kit+ provided by SM Foundation and UNIQLO.

*The health center features a Mobile Play Cabinet, encouraging children to have fun and learn while awaiting their check-ups.*

Other facilities in the newly refurbished BHCs include a patients’ waiting lounge, reception area, consultation and treatment room, first-aid station, dental room, recovery room, conference room, Mobile Play Cabinet for children, breastfeeding room, and medicine storage cabinets.

Leaders of the local government units expressed their gratitude to SM Foundation and UNIQLO, sharing their aim to preserve the quality of the facilities as they operate to serve the community.