The SM Foundation has completed a full-scale renovation of the Laoag City RHU III Primary Care Facility and Birthing Home, significantly enhancing healthcare access for more than 35,000 residents in the southern part of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

The renovation modernized the interior of the facility with patient-centered improvements such as LED lighting, comfortable furnishings, and essential medical appliances. Air-cleaning paints were also strategically applied to improve sanitation standards and ensure a cleaner environment for both patients and healthcare workers.

In addition to a refresh of the consultation and treatment areas, the birthing center underwent an overhaul to align with the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth standards.

This upgrade forms a key part of RHU III’s efforts to obtain Primary Care Facility (PCF) accreditation and participate in PhilHealth’s YAKAP Program, which would further expand accessible healthcare services for indigent patients.

The project also introduced sustainability and technology-driven components, including a rainwater catchment system and the SM Foundation’s DigiKonsulta platform, which supports telemedicine and the digitalization of patient records.

Established in 2018 to serve 23 barangays south of the Padsan River, RHU III provides essential services like vaccination, disease surveillance, dental care, maternal health programs, and free medical consultations. With the improvements in place, the facility is gearing up to grow its reach as a primary care hub for local communities that traditionally lacked adequate access to health services.

The initiative comes as part of SM Foundation’s continuing efforts to close gaps in rural healthcare through infrastructure support, equipment donations, and digital health innovations—further positioning the foundation as an active stakeholder in the country’s healthcare development.