200 reasons to smile

Dr. Elmira Montesa and the health workers of Santa Cruz Rural Health Unit (SCRHU) are all smiles
in front of the new health center

SM Foundation brings cutting-edge care as it achieves a milestone in its health program

Rural health centers are more than just buildings— they're lifelines, offering a comprehensive range of health services at a minimal cost or even free to the most vulnerable.

Underscoring its firm belief in the power of health centers to uplift communities, the SM Foundation revitalized the Santa Cruz Rural Health Unit (SCRHU). This marks a significant milestone for the organization, representing its 200th health center nationwide.

SCRHU features a vibrant lobby with new furniture and appliances

The rainwater catchment system helps lessen the center’s reliance on municipal sources and
contribute to water conservation efforts

Service amidst challenges SCRHU lies in Laguna province, serving nearly 140,000 residents. Its reach extends beyond the immediate community, welcoming those from neighboring municipalities, primarily from low-income households.

Dr. Elmina Montesa, leading the SCRHU for almost a decade, said that despite the challenges, she and her dedicated team of health workers report for duty daily, their hearts set on serving the community, particularly the most vulnerable—because for them, public service wasn't just a job; it was a calling.

SCRHU health workers serve its community with renewed passion after the renovation of
SM Foundation’s 200th health center

“Marami kaming programa na hindi namin malagyan ng lugar kasi kulang ang space kaya’t naghahagilap kami kung saan ito ipu-pwesto,” she shared.

“Iba ‘yung nararamdaman mong fulfillment sa trabahong ito. Napakasaya tuwing natutulungan mo ang pasyente at kita mo sa mga ngiti’t mata nila na thankful sila dahil binigay mo ang pangangailangan nila ng walang kapalit,” she said.

Uplifting community anchors Following Department of Health’s guidelines, SM Foundation elevated the SCRHU. The center now boasts clearly defined areas for different programs, improved layout for accessibility, and enhanced facilities for patient comfort. A rainwater catchment facility was introduced to contribute to water conservation.

Following the rehabilitation, SCRHU health workers are more eager to serve the community

The rehabilitation transformed the center into a welcoming space, featuring comfortable waiting areas, a reception area for health workers, and designated facilities for breastfeeding mothers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. It has a mobile play cabinet with gender[1]neutral toys to nurture comfort and promote coping during illnesses.

Dr. Elmira visits a patient, nursing her child in the newly built breastfeeding room.

As SM Foundation turned over the health center, Dr. Elmina and SCRHU turned over a new leaf in health care.

“Kayamanan ng tao ang kalusugan. Kahit wala kang masyadong pera, pero intact ang kalusugan mo, maituturing mo nang kayamanan iyon,” she said with a smile.

The center features a mobile play cabinet with gender-neutral toys to nurture comfort and promote coping in the face of illnesses.

“Iba kasi pag maganda ang surroundings mo. Minsan, ‘yun lang ay sapat na para gumaan ang pakiramdam mo. Ngayong comfortable na ang center, mae-enhance na ang communication namin. Sa tulong ng organized at good environment, maipaliliwanag ng mabuti at magagawa kung ano ang nararapat na treatment para sa pasyente,” she added.