Transforming healthcare in Palawan

Palaweños have always been deeply committed to preserving their homeland. This has been extended to their dedication in their own well-being, valuing and nurturing their health as an key part of their stewardship of the island province. With this, two healthcare facilities have emerged as pillars in safeguarding their health and wellness.

Transforming local maternal health

In Brgy. Irawan, Puerto Princesa, midwife Narcisa Jagmis and her dedicated team once ran a birthing facility that served over 10,000 residents, including indigenous peoples. In 2018, they had to stop providing their services and refurbish their center to meet the safety standards set by DoH.

SM group, known for its commitment to healthcare and environmental sustainability, breathed new life into the Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility through SM Foundation's programs on health and wellness.

As part of SM Foundation's redesign of the center's structure to optimize its function, they added labor and recovery wards, storage, scrub-up, breastfeeding, consultation and clean-up areas.

They also carefully redesigned it, including areas designated for specific medical procedures, as well as cutting-edge additions like a rainwater harvesting system — a first for an SMFI Health and Wellness Center — and energy-efficient lighting.

By embellishing the area with decorative plants sourced locally, SMFI improved the program and supported local enterprises. They used air-cleaning paints in calming hues to paint the facility, aiding in patients' recovery by encouraging holistic wellness.

"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, (The health workers in the facility are from the community. We're like one family, our hearts close to our patients. With its refurbishment, we will be able to care for them even better)," Jagmis said as they welcomed the renewed facility.

This shift was seen by Puerto Princesa's Dr. Ricardo Panganiban as an essential step towards getting the DoH license.

The refurbished facility was eagerly anticipated by Jagmis and her team, so they could offer the community complete healthcare that placed an emphasis on nutrition and other preventive care measures.

Safeguarding health at sea and beyond

Meanwhile, SM Foundation's mission extended beyond Brgy. Irawan. Over the past two decades, they've revitalized nearly 200 health centers, including the Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon-Medical Dispensary in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The station acts as the focal point for Philippine Navy personnel who patrol and protect the isolated islands in the country's western region.

NSA J-MD's Commanding Officer, Dr. Aileen Velasco, highlighted the dire need for its revitalization. With a well-thought-out concept in place, the SM Foundation helped design the inside, adding more rooms and upgrading the arrangement.

"Ang galing ng timing (The timing is excellent," Dr. Velasco said when asked about SM Foundation's renovation.

"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 the SM Foundation offered to help us with the renovation," she added.

In addition to improving healthcare functionality, the adjustments intended to enhance Navy officers' morale as they frequently deal with the challenges of being apart from their families. Recognizing the impact it has on military personnel's performance and devotion to serving Filipinos, Dr. Velasco underlined the importance of promoting military personnel's health and well-being.

The SM Foundation has played a pivotal role in bringing about a remarkable transformation in Puerto Princesa's healthcare system.

The revitalized Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility and NSAJ-MD now stand as beacons of hope, ensuring access to quality healthcare for Palaweños and the Navy personnel dedicated to safeguarding this island paradise. The SM group's commitment to health and the environment shines brightly, leaving a lasting and profound impact on vulnerable communities of Palawan.