SM Foundation, partners redefine rural healthcare

For many Filipinos, accessing essential healthcare remains a challenge, particularly in rural and geographically isolated communities. Long journeys to health facilities, crowded waiting rooms, and limited resources can make timely medical attention difficult to obtain. SM Foundation has been addressing these barriers as part of its health and wellness mission of making quality primary healthcare more accessible, inclusive and dignified.

To date, 232 community health centers across the country have been constructed or modernized through SM Foundation and its partners. These facilities are designed or rehabilitated in line with Department of Health standards, with efforts to support PhilHealth accreditation and strengthen the delivery of quality primary care.

Beyond infrastructure and equipment, the initiative reflects a deeper commitment to making healthcare more accessible while upholding every patient’s dignity. It is where an expectant mother can give birth without fearing a hazardous trek down a mountain, a teenager can confidently seek guidance on a personal health question, or an elderly resident can get basic medical attention with warmth and respect.

Empowered patients

Following severe earthquakes, the Barangay Lawaan Health Station and Birthing Center lost its essential maternal health services. Rehabilitation restored the convenience for families in the uplands of Danao City, Cebu as it spared them the long journey down steep roads to seek routine medical care or give birth.

“Unlike before, if someone is giving birth, they will go down,” says assistant city health officer Dr. Catherine Llao Durano, referring to the town proper, about two hours away from the uplands. “Now, they can safely give birth here.”

In Barangay San Vicente, Quezon City, the local health center is making healthcare more responsive to the needs of young people through its Teen Hub. Designed to provide a nonjudgmental environment, the space encourages adolescents to seek guidance on mental health, reproductive health, and overall well-being.

San Vicente Health Center Medical Oficer Dr. Dane Calica says that as a safe space, it creates an environment where young people feel comfortable seeking help.

In Leyte, the Barugo Municipal Hospital Wellness Hub has dedicated beds for pediatric and senior patients, helping reduce the need for hospital transfers.

Inclusive healthcare

The health and well-being of naval personnel are equally important. At the NSLG Medical Dispensary in San Antonio, Zambales, upgrades supported by SM Foundation enabled the facility to serve more than 3,000 personnel and beneficiaries daily.

For communities in geographically isolated areas, even routine medical consultations can mean costly travel and time away from work. Digital health solutions offer another way to bridge this gap. Through platforms such as DigiKonsulta, digital consultations have been introduced in rural health facilities, including the Baluan Rural Health Unit in General Santos City and the Polomolok East Community Clinic in South Cotabato. By connecting patients in these facilities with healthcare professionals remotely, DigiKonsulta helps make medical consultations more accessible. Alongside initiatives such as PhilHealth’s YAKAP program, which supports outpatient access to primary and preventive care, these efforts help bring essential health services closer to more Filipinos.