In
1971, the Philippines launched the Community Health Organization
Program to classify health services into primary, secondary, and
tertiary levels. As part of this initiative, barangay health stations
were created to ensure that primary healthcare improves the overall
health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Since then, these local health centers have played a crucial role in
improving the health outcomes of Filipinos. They have not only provided
general healthcare services but also served as agents during the
COVID-19 pandemic and helped with the vaccination rollout. Additionally,
they continue to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent diseases,
particularly among vulnerable populations.
Adequate facilities for improved healthcare
SM Foundation (SMFI) has made it its mission to provide adequate
facilities and upgraded equipment to boost health centers as they
fulfill their mandate of delivering quality health care, even amid the
pandemic.
Pursuing its mission, SMFI and UNIQLO Philippines traveled to the cities
of Tuguegarao and Cauayan in Cagayan Valley and upgraded two health
facilities serving thousands of Filipinos. Beyond the new
infrastructure, health workers see it as a chance to put forth the
services they have always drawn from the heart.
In Brgy. District 1, Cauayan, Midwife Tarita Ann Ballasteros has tended
to patients from low-income households, who barely have money to spare
for the fare going to the facility and to buy medicine. She would then
give the best care she can offer to compensate for the limitations of
their center.
A resident of Cauayan City, Isabela undergoes a routine checkup in Brgy. District 1 Health Center
“Nakikita ko ang sitwasyon nila na ultimo pamasahe, wala sila. Iniisip
ko, wala man lang akong maibigay na gamot sa kanila. Para sa akin, hindi
ko man sila lubos na mapagaling, lalabas sila sa facility na magaan ang
pakiram dahil sa tinatawag nating TLC (tender loving care),” she said.
Before, they had to use curtains as improvised medical partitions or
lock the health center’s door to provide comfort to women seeking
reproductive health care or pregnant mothers coming in for prenatal
checkups.
“It takes time to prepare and attend to the next patient. Kailangan pa
namin takpan ng kumot o ilock ang pinto ng center para magkaroon ng
privacy ang mga pasyente. Dahil dito, isa lang ang naaaccommodate namin.
Minsan, hindi sila komportable dahil nakikita ng iba yung procedure na
ginagawa namin sa kanila,” she said.
Through the upgrade, the Brgy. District 1 Health Center had its own room
for maternal and child health services, equipped with necessary medical
tools. It was also fitted with a breastfeeding area and a designated
space for immunization.
Health workers of Brgy. District 1 Health Center provides free prenatal checkups in the newly renovated health center
The upgrade served as the boost they needed to complement the TLC they have always given their community.
“Malaki ang connection ng renovation ng center sa pagsasaayos ng
kalusugan ng aming komunidad. Kaming mga health workers ay mas eager na
sa pag-pasok sa trabaho at mas marami na kaming pasyenteng mabibigyan ng
serbisyo at matutulungan,” she said.
Through the newly renovated health center, residents of Brgy. District 1 health center enjoy free medical checkups.
“Dahil maganda na at maaliwalas, nakakatulong ito para gumaan ang pakiramdam ng pasyente bago pa man sila gamutin,” she added.
A change for the better
Sharing the same passion for health care service is Corazon Tanguilan, a
Barangay Health Worker from Brgy. Cataggaman Pardo Health Center in
Tuguegarao City.
“As a healthcare provider, hindi po namin gaano iniisip ang kalakihan ng
aming health center. Ang importante po ay taos pusong pagbibigay ng
serbisyo sa patients namin. Nasa kalooban po namin kung paano namin
gagawing maayos pagpapatakbo ng aming operasyon,” she said.
Through their dedication, they strived to accommodate the healthcare
needs of their patients despite unfortunate working conditions–from
broken tiles, cracked wall paint, and damaged cabinets to limited
electric fans for ventilation.
“Sira po ang aming mga tiles. Mahirap po ito dahil baka madulas o
mapaano ang aming mga pasyente na kadalasan ay buntis at mga bata. Kaya
nilagyan na lang po namin ito ng masking tape para makaiwas sa
aksidente,” she recalled.
Due to the center’s layout and space limitations, it became even more
difficult for them during the pandemic. With sick children, pregnant
women, and TB-DOTs patients, it felt like a weight was pressed against
their chests as they hoped to safely accommodate all patients while
implementing social distancing.
Brgy. Cataggaman Pardo Health Center health workers cater to the general
medical needs of its community in the newly renovated health center.
“During immunization days, may mga pregnant mothers na darating for
prenatal check-up. Ine-entertain namin sila dahil hindi namin puwedeng
pauwiin ulit at pabalikin pa. Mahalaga po ang sapat na espasyo para
maisagawa ang infection prevention and control measures. Kaya mainam po
ang ginawa ng SM Foundation na pagpapalawak ng health center namin para
sa kaligtasan ng patients namin,” she explained.
As their center was rebuilt from the ground up, they felt relief and gained renewed optimism to improve their operations.
Pregnant mothers from Cataggaman Pardo, Tuguegarao City can now get
comfortable prenatal care in the newly refurbished health center.
In addition to the installation of new equipment and facilities,
complemented by cosmetic improvements such as fresh paint and tiles, the
upgraded health centers now include designated rooms for maternal care,
medical check-ups, and TB-DOTs treatment. The spacious and
well-ventilated lobby provides a warm welcome to the people of
Tuguegaraonos, encouraging them to pursue healthy living and become
valuable contributors to the growth of their city.
“27 years na po ako sa serbisyo at bihira po ang health center na
naka-aircon at well-ventilated. Kaya ngayon pong naisaayos na po ito,
tiyak po ako na mas maeengganyo ang constituents ng namin na pumunta sa
aming Center,” she said.
