Upgraded dispensary relives heroism of rescuer
‘Once people see that the environment is welcoming and safe, they’ll feel encouraged to come in for regular check-ups.’
THE clean and welcoming health facility helps patients feel more at ease.
Photograph courtesy of SM FOUNDATION
The naval officer who saved many lives from a mudflow triggered by Typhoon “Reming” in 2006 but lost his life in doing so is being remembered through the Philippine Navy dispensary in Legazpi City, Albay that was named after him.
The Naval Station Julhasan Arasain Medical and Dental Dispensary (NSJA) in Barangay Rawis relives the heroism and sacrifice of the late Petty Officer 2nd Class in the form of quality healthcare to military personnel and residents of Barangays Rawis and Bogtong.
THE refurbished Naval Station Julhasan Arasain Medical and Dental Dispensary now better serves active reservists, veterans and villagers in Legazpi City, Albay.
This legacy of selflessness by Arasain has been beneficial throughout the years but with the aging structure, limited space and outdated systems of the facility limiting its full potential, it was time for an upgrade.
The NSJA is now expected to better serve more than 500 active and reserve Navy personnel, veterans and their families plus the roughly 15,000 residents of Rawis and Bogtong.
LTC Kristine Abegail Cayco-Reyes DS, commander of the NSJA-DS and CPT Monica Anne Yap MC, commanding officer of the NSJA-MD, together with other medical officers of the Philippine Navy, had persevered in attending to patients with leaking roofs caused by the elements.
“Bicol gets hit by a lot of typhoons. When it rains, roof leaks become an issue. Additionally, if you’re in the middle of a surgery and the power suddenly fluctuates, the treatment has to stop. A five-minute procedure ends up taking much longer,” Dr. Cayco-Reyes shared.
The challenges are now a thing of the past after the SM Foundation Inc. rehabilitated the facility to ensure patient safety and comfort.
Under the foundation’s Wellness Center Program, the NSJA’s interior layout was made more functional and aligned with modern medical workflows.
The facility’s dental wing was expanded to include dedicated space for storage, and radiography and prosthodontic sections.
The former ambulance bay is now a bright, welcoming waiting area — designed for patient comfort and a calming, healing environment.
With upgraded plumbing, power systems and storage spaces, the clinic maintains sanitation and operational continuity.
“When you see a clean and well-maintained space, you immediately feel confident that the environment is safe for treatment. Patients feel more comfortable getting checked up because they don’t have to worry about sanitation. Even for minor procedures — like stitches or simple operations — the area really needs to be clean and sterile,” Dr. Yap said.
