SM Foundation upgrades Bacolod health stations

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The city government has welcomed SM Foundation’s upgrade of two barangay health stations that will serve 15 barangays and strengthen access to essential healthcare services for nearly 27,000 residents.

Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed gratitude for the partnership, saying the renovations will significantly improve the delivery of health services.

He said the city remains committed to expanding healthcare access for Bacolod residents and described the initiative as more than a collaboration.

“This goes beyond a simple partnership; it is more personal because you are assisting the people of Bacolod City in one of their most important needs, and that is our health,” the mayor said.

He also said the facilities will be properly maintained in coordination with the City Health Office.

Gasataya said the ETCS Barangay Health Station is strategically located near the proposed Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service, or BUCAS, Center, along with other planned health facilities that could further strengthen the city’s healthcare network.

Bacolod City and the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital formalized their partnership for a BUCAS Plus Center in August 2025, with the facility designed to provide urgent and ambulatory care and to start with a 15-bed capacity.

“Health services are a core program of the city,” he added.

SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs Connie Angeles said the upgraded stations are part of the foundation’s expanding network of community health facilities.

SM Foundation said its Felicidad Sy Wellness Center Program renovates and refurbishes public hospitals and community health centers to improve care and help facilities meet PhilHealth standards.

To date, SM Foundation has renovated 228 health centers nationwide, reinforcing its commitment to grassroots healthcare.

City Health Officer Dr. Carmela Gensoli described the project as a strong example of a public-private partnership.

“Your generosity provides more than just medicines and equipment; it provides dignity and hope to every patient who walks through these corridors,” she said.

The Mabini Barangay Health Station and the ETCS Barangay Health Station, both under the City Health Office, underwent comprehensive improvements aimed at enhancing patient experience and operational efficiency.

The upgrades included LED lighting, modern appliances, improved layouts, and more comfortable furnishings to support consultations and patient flow.

The Mabini station serves eight barangays, while the ETCS station serves seven, collectively covering about 25% of the city’s barangays.

Both facilities also received new laptops to support electronic medical record enrollment, strengthening participation in PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, or YAKAP, and advancing digital healthcare services at the community level.

PhilHealth says YAKAP is a government program focused on prevention, early detection, and continuous primary care to help members avoid more serious illness and hospitalization.

PhilHealth also requires YAKAP clinics to use certified electronic medical record providers as part of the program’s ongoing digital transition.

As frontline healthcare providers, barangay health stations deliver essential services such as consultations, maternal and child care, immunizations, and treatment for minor illnesses.

With the upgrades, the two stations are better equipped to promote disease prevention, improve health education, and strengthen trust within the communities they serve.