Village Connect
BARUGO, LEYTE — Access to quality healthcare is becoming more convenient for residents of Barugo as SM Foundation, in partnership with the local government, transforms the Barugo Municipal Hospital Wellness Hub into a more welcoming and accessible medical facility serving children, senior citizens, and families.
The newly renovated wellness hub represents an important step toward strengthening community healthcare, particularly for residents who previously needed to travel to Tacloban City for medical consultations and regular checkups.
For 72-year-old Zenaida Colibao, the improvements offer much-needed relief as she continues caring for her son, who suffers from kidney disease.
Before his illness, her son supported the family through farming and employment in Manila. However, his deteriorating health forced him to return to their hometown, where his mother could look after him.
Regular hospital visits became a financial and physical burden, especially with transportation expenses and the long journey to Tacloban.
“Napakalaking tulong ng hospital ng Barugo para sa aking anak,” Colibao shared, expressing gratitude that her son can now undergo regular medical monitoring closer to home.
“Malaking tulong ito para hindi na kami pumunta doon sa Tacloban,” she added.
Aside from caring for her son, Colibao also manages hypertension through daily medication, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare for elderly caregivers.
Modern Facilities for Every Generation
The upgraded Barugo Municipal Hospital Wellness Hub introduces 10 additional beds, dedicated pediatric and geriatric areas, and a shared activity space designed to encourage interaction between younger and older patients.
SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs Connie Angeles explained that the project aims to create an environment where patients of different generations can feel comfortable while waiting for medical attention.
“This initiative is an expansion of fostering communities of whatever age,” Angeles said, emphasizing the importance of providing appropriate facilities for children and senior citizens.
The pediatric section also features specially designed beds for infants and younger children, addressing an important safety concern in the hospital’s existing facilities.
Barugo Mayor Dr. Aron C. Balais welcomed the improvements, noting that the new pediatric beds provide safer accommodation for children below two years old.
Beyond medical equipment, the renovated spaces feature a more comfortable, home-like atmosphere intended to reduce anxiety among patients and their accompanying family members.
Strengthening Community Healthcare Services
The modernization project also incorporates digital healthcare solutions, including telemedicine capabilities, electronic medical records, and access to PhilHealth-related services.
These improvements are expected to help medical personnel manage patient information more efficiently while expanding opportunities for consultations and healthcare assistance.
According to Balais, the hospital recorded approximately 4,000 outpatient consultations between January and early July 2026, while accommodating up to 20 inpatients daily.
Serving a municipality of approximately 35,000 residents, the hospital addresses various medical conditions, including pneumonia, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, hypertension, diabetes, and stroke.
For SM Foundation and the Barugo local government, the wellness hub demonstrates how collaboration can strengthen public healthcare infrastructure and improve the everyday lives of Filipino families.
For Colibao and countless other residents, the facility offers something equally valuable: the reassurance that essential medical attention is available within their own community.
As Barugo continues improving its healthcare services, the renovated wellness hub stands as a meaningful investment in healthier families, stronger communities, and compassionate care across generations.
Loading…