A rural health unit rehabilitated by BDO Foundation in the Caraga region of Mindanao is seen to benefit more than 57,000 people from 21 barangays, a population that includes an estimated 2,000 indigenous people. The renovation of the Tandag City Health Office and Birthing Clinic in the provincial capital of Surigao del Sur helps

improve the delivery of healthcare services to residents that include the Lumads. A group of Lumads joined the inaugural ceremonies celebrating the rehabilitation of the health center.

According to Tandag City health officer Dr. Ruth Arraz, M.D., the people of Tandag are very grateful to BDO for choosing to rehabilitate their health center. “To the people of BDO and One Network Bank, who made the rehabilitation a reality, thank you very much. We are all very happy to have a beautiful health office. The improved working environment definitely enables me and my staff to provide health services more efficiently to our patients.”

The rural health unit was graciously accepted by local officials represented by Dr. Arraz, Tandag City mayor Alexander Pimentel and Tandag City administrator Roxanne Pimentel. The rehabilitated structure was officially turned over to Tandag City by BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito, BDO Foundation program director Rose Espinosa and One Network Bank (ONB) Tandag branch head Rolmar Basalan.

Officers of the ONB Tandag branch assisted BDO Foundation in coordinating the renovation of the Tandag City Health Office and Birthing Clinic, the seventh rural health unit successfully rehabilitated by the foundation so far in 2017. ONB is the rural bank subsidiary of BDO Unibank.

The rehabilitation project aims to improve the health and well-being of patients particularly the underprivileged. It is part of the ongoing rehabilitation program of BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, in cities and municipalities affected by natural or man-made disasters. Heavy rains, floods and

landslides devastated Surigao del Sur in 2015, affecting residents living in low-lying villages.

Included in the rehabilitation are the health center’s offices, consultation rooms, minor surgery and treatment rooms, laboratory, breastfeeding station, various furniture and fixtures. Its birthing clinic was significantly improved to give mothers the best patient care possible. A play area for children complete with books and toys as well as a lounge for the comfortable use of senior citizens were also installed.

Established in 1964, the Tandag City Health Office and Birthing Clinic averages around 20 child births per month. The health center is open 24 hours.

BDO Foundation made a difference in the lives of Mindanaoans through the rehabilitation of the Tandag City Health Office and Birthing Clinic, a health center that serves thousands of indigenous people including the Mandayas, Mamanwas and Lumads.