Amidst the ever-evolving landscape, SM Foundation and UNIQLO Philippines have stood as steadfast partners, united in their mission to create positive social change. Since 2012, their partnership has yielded remarkable results, implementing collaborative projects that have broken barriers and uplifted socially vulnerable individuals.
In times of health emergencies or sickness, vulnerable individuals turn to the services of local barangay health centers, rural health units, or public hospitals. However, these public health facilities frequently struggle with insufficient resources such as outdated infrastructures and inadequate equipment.
To help address these issues, three health centers in Bicol, three in Rizal, four in Bulacan, and two in Cagayan Valley were transformed by SM Foundation and UNIQLO Philippines from late 2022 to early 2023 alone. Alongside the physical upgrade of the centers is the rise of the renewed optimism and hope of their respective health workers and patients.
One of them is midwife Rebecca Galves from the Baliwag Rural Health Unit 3. “Ngayong na renovate na ang center, nakakatiyak kami na gaganda pa lalo ang kalidad ng serbisyo naming mga health workers. Unang una, komportable na ang lugar kung saan maghihintay ang mga pasyente. Bukod pa dito, mai-hihiwalay namin ang mga pasyente base sa kalagayan at pangangailan nila,” she shared.
A fellow Bulaceño of Rebecca, Hazel Esquilona, is one of the first patients served by the newly renovated RHU I in Baliwag. While it was her first time in the new center, her family has long relied on its healthcare services.
Upon arriving, she was surprised to see the upgrades to their community health facility. “Bukod sa libre po ang serbisyo, mas maaliwalas na po saloob. Talagang mas comportable na po kami dahil sa mga bagong pasilidad gaya ng mas maayos na upuan, aircon—parang nasa mall,” she said, adding that she is now more confident to go to the RHU for their family’s medical health needs.
Much like Hazel is a mother from Cauayan City, Rosal Anne Anlueco, who is expecting her second child. During her first pregnancy, she had all her prenatal checkups at the Brgy. District 2 Health Center, saying she can barely afford the fees in clinics and hospitals.
“Dito na lang po magpatingin noon kahit po hindi ganoon ka komportable dahil masikip at kahit minsan, parang hirap huminga at pawis na pawis ka dahil sa init,” she recalled her experience at the center during her first pregnancy.
The second time around is a more pleasant experience thanks to the renovated center. “Buti na lang po at malaki ang pinagbago ng center. Dito po, lahat ng gamit ay bago, maaliwalas, at malamig pa. Bukod po sa kalidad ang serbisyo, hindi ko na po ngayon nararanasan ang bigat sa paghinga tuwing checkup. Mas kampante na po ako” she shared.
The stories of Rebecca, Hazel, and Rosal exemplify the transformative outcomes of the partnerships. The renovated health centers, equipped with upgraded facilities and enhanced services, have created an environment of comfort, efficiency, and hope. Through the collaborative efforts of SM Foundation and Uniqlo, vulnerable families have gained access to quality healthcare and a revitalized sense of optimism, that can shape a healthier future for all.
