Ready to serve: Palawan health centers upgraded by SM Foundation

Health & Wellness

Inside the newly revitalized Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

SM Foundation, Inc (SMFI), the philanthropic arm of the SM Group, has recently renovated two vital healthcare centers in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

These facilities, the Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon Medical Dispensary and the Barangay Irawan Birthing Facility, were reopened, increasing SMFI’s upgraded health centers to 194.

SMFI painted the Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon Medical Dispensary (NSAJ-MD) with air-cleaning paints to further provide a healthy environment for Philippine Navy officers.

Safeguarding the health of Naval personnel

The Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon Medical Dispensary (NSAJ-MD) serves as an immediate care facility for Philippine Navy personnel and their families. It also plays a broader role by extending healthcare services to authorized civilians within the Naval Installation and Facilities West and Naval Forces West’s areas of responsibility.

“Ang galing ng timing,” NSAJMD Commanding Officer Dr. Aileen Velasco said.

“The medical dispensary needed the refurbishment as our walls had varying paint colors; our tiles and walls were uneven. Our things were also piled or stacked and have become an eyesore. It was timely that SM Foundation offered to help us with the renovation,” she added, discussing their upcoming DOH accreditation.

SM Foundation’s Eleanor Lansang, Carmen Linda Atayde and Connie Angeles with Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron, Brgy. Irawan Captain Noel Resuma, and SM City Puerto Princesa Mall Manager Maidja Saliente at the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility

Renewing hope for healthcare

The Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility, on the other hand, initially provided free medical care to pregnant women but temporarily halted services in 2018 to adhere to Department of Health (DOH) guidelines. During this six-year period, the center became a multipurpose health facility, offering preventive medical services to the community.

“Ang mga health workers ng birthing facility ay mula dito sa komunidad. Para kaming isang pamilya na malapit ang puso sa lahat ng pasyenteng aming sineserbisyohan. Sa pagsasaayos nito, mas maaalagaan na naming lahat ang aming kalusugan,” midwife Narcisa Jagmis hoped as they welcome the refurbished facility.

Committed to improving healthcare infrastructure nationwide, SM Foundation upgraded these facilities to align with DOH guidelines. The renovations encompassed both interior and exterior enhancements to facilitate seamless healthcare delivery and create a favorable environment for healthcare providers and patients.

Mothers and infants from Brgy. Irawan are provided with a safe and serene environment where they can comfortably breastfeed.

To optimize the centers’ efficiency in delivering quality medical services, SMFI outfitted them with sustainable fixtures and infrastructure. Special air-purifying paints were used, and locally-sourced plants were added to promote a healthier environment and support local businesses.

Energy-efficient appliances, medical tools, and equipment were also provided. For sustainable and efficient water management, a rainwater catchment system was installed at the birthing facility.

Through this recent revitalization of the healthcare centers, SM Foundation continues its mission to support communities in spreading social good.

SMFI and health workers of Brgy. Irawan collaborate to ensure the successful implementation of the center’s rehabilitation.

SMFI Health and Medical Programs Executive Director Connie Angeles inspects the rainwater harvesting system, a first-of-its-kind innovation in an SMFI Health and Wellness Center geared towards sustainable water management.