BDO Foundation rehabilitates 250th rural health unit

BDO Foundation has rehabilitated its 250th rural health unit (RHU), expanding access to improved healthcare facilities for more than 11 million Filipinos, particularly in communities vulnerable to natural disasters.

The milestone was reached with the turnover of Compostela Rural Health Unit in Cebu, the foundation’s 22nd rehabilitated health facility so far in 2026. The achievement coincides with BDO’s 50th anniversary this year.

Since 2012, the foundation has upgraded 250 health centers recommended by BDO and BDO Network Bank branches in their respective communities. It completed rehabilitation work on 22 facilities across the country this year, including health centers in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Iloilo, Davao Oriental and other provinces.

Addressing deteriorating infrastructure

The improvements address deteriorating infrastructure that can disrupt healthcare delivery, especially during disasters. In Compostela, typhoon “Tino” and an earthquake last year affected access to medical services, as damaged roads, landslides and unsafe facilities made it harder for residents to reach healthcare providers.

Years of wear and tear had also left parts of the health center in poor condition, including damaged restrooms, cracked walls, deteriorating ceilings and unusable wash areas.

Rural health units serve as essential first points of contact for residents, particularly those with limited financial resources. Despite infrastructure damage and interruptions to electricity, water and communications, health workers continued providing services to their communities.