Not just one but
two highly destructive typhoons had hit the Brgy.
Canlalay in Biñan, Laguna
over the past years. Following the onslaught of
Ondoy, the humble community was also devastated by the severe tropical
storm Paeng.
But amidst it all,
Brgy. Canlalay Health Station, the heart of health-care in Canlalay, stood
firm. Local health workers
came together and utilized
whatever resources they
had to fulfill their responsibility of providing the first
line of medical care in the
community. This dedication, meanwhile, didn’t go
unnoticed.
The UNIQLO
Philippines and SM group,
through SM Foundation
and SM City Sta. Rosa,
collaborated to support
the refurbishment and revitalization of the health center.
Dedication that
enables transformation
The health station is tucked in the center
of the barangay, servicing
seven areas with over
20,000 residents. With
this, the center’s structure
mirrored the challenges
it has faced through the
years.
From the outside,
the center’s marker and
paint have already faded,
making it difficult for community members to locate
their own health center.
Inside, the roof had leaks,
cables were exposed, and
floorings were stained, affecting its safety and functionality.
According to
midwife Jossie Zapata,
additional problems arose
during the onslaught of
Paeng: “Ang kahoy po na
sumusuporta sa aming
mga bintana ay may anay
na. Ang pinto ay hindi na
rin po nakakabit sa hamba kaya’t ginagawan na
lang namin ng paraan
para maisara. Ganoon rin
ang aming mga file cabinets–gawa ng kalumaan
ay hindi na namin halos
magamit o maisara. Wala
rin po kaming lalagyan ng
cards mga baby at mga
buntis.”
To fill the other gaps, the community
worked together to build
a makeshift delivery bed:
“Nagkaroon rin po ng pagkakataon na wala kaming
delivery bed kaya’t nagpagawa po ako ng improvised na kama sa aking
kapitbahay, para kahit pa paano ay may mahihigaan
ang mga pasyente naming
buntis,” she added.
As Brgy. Canlalay Health Station continues to rebuild and fortify its
healthcare systems, SM
and UNIQLO Philippines
helped refuel their capacity to provide better service
to the community.
Through the collaboration, the center underwent physical repairs–
from roofing to walls and
flooring. The termite-infested doors and windows
were aptly replaced with
glass doors and treated
wood. The center was fitted with a breastfeeding
station to provide comfort
and privacy to breastfeeding mothers.
The refurbishment efforts went beyond
mere structural improvements. The health center
was equipped with a delivery bed, medical equipment, a refrigerator for
vaccines, and televisions
for health programs. More
energy-efficient lights and
appliances as well as steel
cabinets, chairs, and tables were placed to support the center’s operation.
After refurbishing health center, the SM
group was able to fulfill its
goal to foster a sense of
community engagement
and empowerment. Zapata said the developments
will encourage more residents of Canlalay to come
and avail of the services
dedicated to them. On one
end, it also boosted their
capacity to serve more.
“Dahil sa renovation na ginawa ng SM
Foundation at UNIQLO,
talagang gagaan ang aming paghahatid ng serbisyo. Magandang halimbawa po ang aming mga
cabinet. Ngayon, madali
ko pong maaccess ang
mga dokumento ng mga
pasyente. Ang aming mga
medical equipments, may
matibay at accessible ng
mga lalagyan. Madali na
rin po naming makukuha
ang mga tools and medicines dahil organized at
properly labelled na po
sila,” she said.
“Dati, wala po
kaming proper breastfeeding area. Alam po natin
na mahalaga ang ito para
mga nanay na dumadalaw
dito para ipabakuna ang
kanilang mga sanggol.
Kaya’t talagang angat na
rin po ngayon ang convenience at privacy ng aming
mga pasyente dahil may
nakalaan ng lugar para
sa breastfeeding mothers.
Ngayon, handa na kami
kung sakaling magkaroon
ng audit ang Department
of Health,” she capped.
