SMFI, Uniqlo unveil 4 health centers in Bulacan
SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) and Uniqlo Philippines came together to upgrade four health centers in Bulacan, namely the Pulilan Rural Health Units (RHU) 1 and 2, as well as Baliwag RHU 1 and 3 on January 17, 2023.
The centers were improved to provide Bulakeños in the area easy access to health care services. These centers commonly treat skin rashes, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory infections and other lifestyle illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes.
The facilities also provide family planning, maternal and child health care, and treatments to prevent or control acute respiratory infection, cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, and AIDS/ STD. Baliwag RHU 3, meanwhile, has the capacity to perform childbirth delivery and minor surgeries.
These are also springboard national health programs on leprosy, rabies, dengue prevention, immunization, and nutrition, making health services accessible to the community.
The four newly upgraded facilities are also fitted with mobile play cabinets containing interactive toys and educational books to welcome young patients in a childfriendly environment and give them a holistic healing experience.
Representatives from SMFI and Uniqlo, led by Vice President for Marketing Georgette Jalasco, talked about the collaboration and their respective missions to uplift the lives of Filipinos, especially those in grassroots communities.
“For us, social good goes beyond charitable giving, as it represents dedication to supporting our communities so they can achieve sustainable growth and development. It means giving them the opportunity to take hold of their own destiny, allowing them to move toward progress, and empowering them to have safe, healthy and productive lives,” SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Wellness Connie Angeles said.
SMFI upgrades public health centers in its host communities, complemented by its medical caravans across the country. To date, it has renovated more than 170 health and wellness centers and served more than 1.1 million patients during its medical missions.