Bringing Early Detection Closer to Communities in San Pablo City
Bringing healthcare closer to home. The SM Foundation Mobile Clinic delivers free medical services and essential care to residents at SM City San Pablo.
More than 1,500 free healthcare services were delivered to residents of San Pablo City as SM Foundation marked its 50th medical mission of the year.
The initiative expanded access to preventive healthcare for residents from 10 barangays, serving communities in San Rafael, San Roque, San Nicolas, Soledad, Santisimo Rosario, San Isidro, Atisan, San Lucas, Barangay 6-D, and Barangay 2-D.
A mother and her child receive free healthcare services during the SM Foundation medical mission at SM City San Pablo.
A total of 1,521 healthcare services were provided, including 835 medical consultations, 109 dental services, 150 optical consultations, 100 ECG tests, 84 X-rays, 92 bone scans, and free laboratory tests for blood sugar, cholesterol, uric acid, and hemoglobin.
A local physician conducts a physical examination during SM Foundation's 50th medical mission of the year.
A San Pablo resident undergoes a routine blood pressure screening during the SM Foundation medical mission. By bringing free diagnostic services directly to local communities, the initiative aims to detect silent health risks early and prevent underlying conditions from progressing unnoticed.
The medical mission was made possible through the collaboration of SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, the City Health Office of San Pablo, SPC Medical, the Philippine Red Cross, the Provincial Health Office, San Pablo Infinity 104 MJF Lions Club International, and Acebedo Optical.
City Health Officer of San Pablo, Dr. Mercydina Adbona Caponcon, said that the greatest value of medical missions lies in helping people detect illnesses before they become life-threatening.
“Mahalaga kahit wala pa po tayong nararamdaman at una pa lamang ang mga sintomas na ipinakita ng iyong katawan ay kailangan na po tayong magpunta kaagad [sa doctor] dahil mahalaga na wala pang komplikasyon,” she explained, emphasizing that delaying check-ups can allow conditions to worsen unnoticed.
Based on her experience, hypertension and diabetes remain among the most common health concerns encountered in the city. Many patients seek consultation only after complications have already developed or after stopping their medications due to financial constraints.
She stressed that preventive healthcare remains the first and most important step in protecting one’s health.
In partnership with local institutions, including Acebedo Optical, the medical mission delivered 150 free optical consultations to residents from 10 barangays.
Dr. Caponpon also noted that free medical missions help connect residents to doctors, diagnostic services, medicines, and government health programs that many would otherwise struggle to access.
“Malaking tulong ang gaya po ng ginagawa ng SM Foundation sa atin pong mga kababayan dito sa San Pablo dahil nagkakaroon ng tiyansa ang lahat ng tao. Kalimitan kasi ang mga problema na sinasabi nila ay wala silang finances,” she said.
SM Foundation's medical missions focus on early risk identification and long-term wellness monitoring. By returning to San Pablo City annually, the initiative establishes a sustainable framework for continuous patient care.
Meanwhile, resident Physician of SM Foundation, Dr. Bless Bertos, explained that the program is not just providing free medicines but also focuses on identifying health risks early and guiding patients toward long-term wellness.
“Hindi lang po check-up ang ibinibigay namin sa aming medical missions. Layunin naming mabigyan ang bawat pasyente ng mas kumpletong pangangalaga, mula sa tamang diagnosis at mga kinakailangang pagsusuri hanggang sa pagbibigay ng gamot at iba pang serbisyong makatutulong sa kanilang pangmatagalang kalusugan,” she shared.
As the medical mission is held annually at SM City San Pablo, healthcare providers are able to monitor patients' progress over time. Those who require continued treatment are referred to their local health centers, ensuring they receive ongoing care beyond the medical mission.
