Zamboanga City and SM Foundation Inaugurate Rehabilitated Putik Health Center
Officials from the City Government of Zamboanga and the SM Foundation formally unveiled the newly rehabilitated health facility in Putik village on Thursday, February 12. This significant initiative reinforces access to primary healthcare services for residents in the village and surrounding areas, marking a pivotal step in community health infrastructure.
Enhanced Healthcare Services for Thousands
Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite, the City Health Office chief, emphasized that the renovated facility will enable the delivery of improved health services to more than 25,000 residents of Putik village. "All the essential and basic health services of the City Health Office are available here," she stated in an interview. The center will also cater to residents from nearby villages, particularly in emergency cases, ensuring broader community coverage.
In addition to primary care, the facility conducts surveillance and monitoring of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. It implements environmental sanitation programs to promote public health and disease prevention, addressing both immediate and long-term health needs.
Partnership and Gratitude
Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, represented by Kaiser Olaso, expressed deep gratitude to the SM Foundation for its support. He highlighted that this partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring accessible, quality, and compassionate healthcare for every Zamboangueño. The mayor underscored that strong collaboration between the private sector and local government creates a lasting impact for communities, fostering sustainable development.
Foundation's Role and Future Impact
Connie Angeles, executive director for health and medical programs of SM Foundation, noted that the rehabilitation of the Putik health center is their first project in Zamboanga City. "We didn't choose the area. It was the City Health Office that identified it and recommended it," Angeles explained in an interview. The renovation aims to help decongest public hospitals by handling minor illnesses at the health center level, improving efficiency in the healthcare system.
To date, the Foundation has supported more than 200 health centers nationwide, serving over seven million patients, with a focus on vulnerable communities. This project aligns with their ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility across the Philippines.
The simple turnover ceremony on February 12 symbolized a renewed dedication to public health, with both entities pledging continued cooperation for the well-being of Zamboanga residents.
