BDO Foundation marks 250th rehabilitated health facility

BDO Foundation has completed the rehabilitation of 22 rural health units (RHUs) and primary care facilities across the Philippines so far in 2026, bringing the total number of health centers upgraded under its program to 250 since 2012, the foundation said.

The milestone was marked by the turnover of the Compostela Rural Health Unit in Cebu, the 250th facility rehabilitated under the initiative, coinciding with BDO’s 50th anniversary this year.

The 250 facilities serve more than 11 million Filipinos, particularly in communities vulnerable to natural disasters and other disruptions to essential healthcare services, according to BDO Foundation.

The 22 facilities completed in 2026 are located in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Antique, Zamboanga del Norte, Iloilo, Misamis Oriental, Davao Oriental and Davao de Oro.

The rehabilitation program focuses on improving local healthcare infrastructure, particularly facilities that serve as the first point of medical access for residents in rural and underserved communities.

In Compostela, local health officials cited damage from Typhoon Tino and an earthquake in 2025 as factors that disrupted healthcare delivery.

Damaged roads, landslides and concerns over the safety of health facilities made access to medical services more difficult for residents, they said.

Years of deterioration had also affected portions of the Compostela facility, including its restrooms, ceilings, walls and wash areas, the foundation said.

Rural health units play an important role in delivering basic healthcare, particularly to residents with limited financial resources.

However, aging infrastructure, interruptions in electricity and water supply, communication difficulties and shortages of medicines and medical supplies can constrain their capacity to provide services.

The rehabilitated facilities now have improved lighting, upgraded interiors and other infrastructure enhancements intended to provide safer and more functional spaces for patients and healthcare personnel, BDO Foundation said.

The improvements are also intended to help local government-operated facilities meet Department of Health and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. standards, potentially allowing them to qualify for additional resources.

The foundation said the facilities were recommended for rehabilitation by BDO and BDO Network Bank branches in their respective communities.

The program supports government efforts to advance universal healthcare and contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

BDO Foundation said it would continue supporting the improvement of healthcare infrastructure in communities across the country.