BDO Unibank’s corporate social responsibility arm continued to work to help Filipinos improve their health and well-being as the country recovered from the pandemic.

BDO Foundation recently completed the rehabilitation of Maasin Rural Health Unit and Birthing Facility in Iloilo, Mampang Health Center in Zamboanga City, and Infanta Municipal Health Office in Quezon, despite the logistical constraints caused by COVID-19. It also renovated two rural health units (RHUs) in Agusan del Sur: the Rural Health Unit and Reproductive Health Center Prosperidad, as well as the Municipal Health Office and Reproductive Health Center La Paz.

Since 2012, the foundation has successfully rehabilitated 126 RHUs, benefiting a total of 6.8 million people across the country. Nursing mothers, infants and children, people with disabilities, senior citizens, and other patients all benefit from the program. The majority of these patients cannot afford to visit hospitals. Many people live in outlying or underserved areas.

“La Paz is classified as a GIDA (geographically isolated and disadvantaged area),” said Dr. Hairam Encendencia, a municipal health officer in La Paz. “The rehabilitated RHU benefits our constituents, approximately 85 percent of whom are indigenous peoples.” Our desire for a better health center was realized thanks to the BDO Foundation. In addition to the renovation, the foundation provided us with tables, chairs, and equipment.

The BDO Foundation’s ongoing rehabilitation program includes improving the layout of health centers, including their interiors and exteriors, lobby areas and waiting areas, offices, birthing clinics, consultation and treatment rooms, pharmacies, and other facilities, furniture, and fixtures. Breastfeeding stations, children’s play areas, and waiting areas for the elderly are also built by the foundation.

Mampang medical officer IV Dr. Merhaya Indanan says, “We are honored and blessed that our facility was selected for rehabilitation.” Our customers will be more inclined to use our services once the project is complete.”

I would like to thank the foundation on behalf of our community for finding ways to help us provide quality healthcare in our barangay as well as neighboring barangays,” the doctor concluded. 

The BDO Foundation’s corporate citizenship program in Agusan del Sur, Iloilo, Quezon, and Zamboanga City contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal no. 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote the well-being of all people at all ages. Health centers provide free antigen testing and assistance with local government vaccination programs as part of the effort to prepare for a pandemic.