Rural health centers are more than just buildings — they are lifelines that offer health services at a minimal cost or even free to the most vulnerable. The presence of dedicated healthcare providers who truly grasp the local struggles and share the community's cultural fabric imbues these centers with a critical sense of purpose.

Underscoring its firm belief in the power of health centers to improve lives and strengthen communities, the SM Group's foundation recently unveiled the revitalized Santa Cruz Rural Health Unit, representing its 200th health center nationwide.

SCRHU in Laguna province serves nearly 140,000 residents. Its reach extends beyond the immediate community and covers those from neighboring municipalities, primarily from low-income households.

For nearly a decade, Dr. Elmina Montesa has been the guiding force behind the SCRHU, which, as she recalled, had cramped spaces and inadequate facilities.

"Napupuno po kami lalo na 'pag may diabetic clinic — puno sa labas. Bagamat may tent, hindi sapat ito lalo na kapag umuulan. Hindi namin sila mapapasok dahil wala silang pu-pwestuhan. Hindi namin mai-provide ang comfort na nararapat para sa mga pasyente" (We were always full, especially with our diabetic clinic. The tent was inadequate, more so when it rained. We couldn't bring patients in because there was no space. We couldn't provide the comfort they needed), she said.

Despite the challenges, Montesa and her dedicated team of health workers continued to report for duty daily, recognizing the importance of health in the lives of people in the community.

To address the needs of the health clinic, SM Foundation collaborated with the Santa Cruz, Laguna local government to rehabilitate the health hub.

The refurbished clinic now exudes warmth and a welcoming atmosphere, with comfortable waiting areas for patients and reception area for health workers.

To ensure that the center remains community-oriented, SCRHU has designated facilities for breastfeeding mothers, the elderly and persons with disabilities. It has a mobile play cabinet with gender-neutral toys to nurture comfort and promote coping among patients in the face of illness.

The center has also been equipped with a rainwater catchment facility for non-potable purposes, to help lessen the clinic's reliance on municipal sources and contribute to water conservation efforts.

"Dati, nakakapaghatid kami ng serbisyo kahit hindi conducive to working ang lugar. Kaya't itong renovation, mas magiging fulfilled kami dahil maganda 'yung environment na aming gagalawan. Mas mapapaigting pa namin ang pagsisilbi namin sa komunidad" (Before, we still provided services even if our center wasn't conducive. But with this renovation, we feel more fulfilled because of the better environment we work in. We can now provide better services to the community)," Montesa said.