Foundation continues support for military, renovates its 13th facility

SM Foundation chalks up another addition to its long list of military facilities renovated with the recent turnover of the Operating and Delivery Room (OR/DR) complex along with the officers and cadets ward of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA)’s Fort Del Pilar Station Hospital in Baguio. This is SM Foundation’s 13th military facility renovated to date.

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.”

Angeles continued that the renovations as well as equipment upgrades can help improve the scope and quality of healthcare provided inside the academy. Because of this, the Fort Del Pilar Station Hospital can now be upgraded again to a Department of Health level 2-accredited health facility by the end of the year. The hospital was previously downgraded in 2014 due to the condition of its OR/DR complex.

The Fort Del Pilar Station Hospital currently operates and maintains a 50 bed hospital capacity for PMA cadets, military personnel as well as their dependents and authorized civilians.

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 renovations 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 be transformed into a Felicidad T. Sy Wellness Center for Children, SM Foundation’s signature addition to all of its renovated health facilities.

“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.”

Another SM Foundation-renovated military facility is the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center’s Heroes Ward and Orthopedic Ward which was completed in 2011. Surgeon General Bgen Joselito P Avanceña AFP recently voiced his gratitude to the Foundation’s assistance in providing better healthcare to the soldiers of AFP.

“The SM Foundation projects in various AFP Treatment Facilities greatly enhance the work environment of our military healthcare personnel. These laudable improvements are highly appreciated by the past and present AFP leadership,” said Avanceña.

He added, “Visitors, guests and other stakeholders admire the benevolence of SM, particularly the soldiers who are now permanently disabled and were confined in the Felicidad T. Sy Heroes Ward. They have experienced recuperation in a therapeutic and caring environment created by SM Foundation prior to their discharge.”

Other SM Foundation renovated military facilities include: 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.

The Fort Del Pilar Station Hospital is SM Foundation’s 105th renovation under its Felicidad T. Sy Wellness Program. Through its various social development programs, SM Foundation continues to empower communities by providing opportunities in education (school buildings and scholarship grants), food security (farmers’ trainings), and health and wellness (medical missions and renovation of health facilities).