SM Foundation, LGU turn over barangay wellness hub

More than three years after a rural health unit (RHU) was built in Barangay Sta. Clara in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, the healthcare facility needed to be expanded due to the growing demand for medical services in the locality. Thus, on 21 July, the two-story RHU started its renovation through a collaboration of the SM Foundation Inc., SM City Sto. Tomas and the City Government of Santo Tomas, Batangas.

On 12 November, the newly renovated RHU, renamed City Health Center II-Aksyon Bilis Wellness Hub, was turned over by the foundation to the local government unit, transforming a long-awaited vision into reality and opening new opportunities to better serve the community.

Under its Health and Wellness Program, SM Foundation renovated and outfitted the entire ground floor of the building into a Department of Health-compliant primary care facility. Concurrently, the city government executed exterior work and facade enhancements, establishing a modern, welcoming public health infrastructure.

The facility officially opened its doors on 12 November, ready to deliver enhanced medical services as the City Health Center II-Aksyon Bilis Wellness Hub.

The primary care section accommodates essential family healthcare services, including outpatient consultations, minor surgical procedures, emergency treatment, a full-service pharmacy, a diagnostic laboratory, dental care, and digitized medical records management. The facility features inclusive amenities such as PWD-compliant restrooms, gender-neutral facilities, and an emergency eyewash station.

Anchoring the center is the City of Sto. Tomas Maternal and Child Care Center, a Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) unit designed to support mothers throughout prenatal, delivery, postnatal, and breastfeeding care. The dedicated unit includes a delivery room, labor and recovery suites, prenatal consultation areas, an admission zone, a nurses’ station, a sterilization room, and a comfortable lactation room.

Complementing its clinical areas, the facility integrates sustainable infrastructure, including a rainwater harvesting system and dedicated sanitation/handwashing stations, reinforcing community health alongside environmental sustainability.

The completion of City Health Center II reflects a successful public-private partnership focused on maximizing city assets for public welfare. Through coordinated public investment and corporate social responsibility, an idle structure has been transformed into a vital healthcare facility serving the residents of Sta. Clara and surrounding communities.

Designed to align with the Universal Health Care Law, BEmONC standards, and the PhilHealth Konsulta Package, the center advances the city’s Aksyon Bilis healthcare agenda — delivering accessible, efficient, and dependable medical care (kalusugan, mabilis, malapit at maaasahan) to all residents.

The Aksyon Bilis Wellness Hub is the 234th health and wellness center nationwide by SM Foundation, reinforcing a long-term commitment in uplifting community healthcare and bringing vital medical services closer to those in need.