Village Connect
A previously unfinished government building has been transformed into a modern healthcare facility, bringing essential medical services closer to families in Santo Tomas, Batangas.
Through a partnership between SM Foundation, Inc., SM City Sto. Tomas, and the City Government of Santo Tomas, the newly completed City Health Center II – Aksyon Bilis Wellness Hub was officially turned over on November 12, 2026, in Barangay Sta. Clara.
The two-story facility represents a significant improvement in the city’s healthcare infrastructure, providing residents of Sta. Clara and neighboring communities with greater access to quality medical attention.
Turning an Unfinished Project Into a Community Lifeline
What was once an idle structure intended to serve as a community health center has finally fulfilled its original purpose.
With healthcare demands continuing to increase, the City Health Office and the Office of the City Mayor joined forces with SM Foundation to complete the long-delayed development.
Through its Health and Wellness Program, SM Foundation rehabilitated and equipped the entire ground floor, transforming it into a primary healthcare facility compliant with Department of Health standards.
Meanwhile, the local government undertook exterior improvements and facade enhancements, giving the building a modern and welcoming appearance.
Comprehensive Healthcare Under One Roof
The newly opened wellness hub offers a wide range of essential medical services, including outpatient consultations, emergency treatment, minor surgical procedures, dental services, laboratory diagnostics, and pharmaceutical assistance.
A digital medical records system also supports more efficient patient management and healthcare delivery.
Designed with inclusivity in mind, the facility features accessible restrooms for persons with disabilities, gender-neutral amenities, and an emergency eyewash station.
One of its major highlights is the City of Sto. Tomas Maternal and Child Care Center, a Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC)-capable facility dedicated to supporting mothers and newborns.
The center provides prenatal consultations, childbirth assistance, postnatal care, and breastfeeding support. Its specialized areas include delivery and labor rooms, recovery suites, a nurses’ station, sterilization facilities, and a dedicated lactation room.
These services aim to strengthen maternal and infant healthcare while reducing the need for residents to travel farther for essential medical attention.
Promoting Sustainable and Accessible Healthcare
Beyond medical services, the wellness hub incorporates environmentally responsible features, including a rainwater harvesting system and designated sanitation and handwashing stations.
These improvements demonstrate how modern healthcare infrastructure can combine patient comfort, public safety, and environmental responsibility.
The facility also supports the objectives of the Universal Health Care Law, the PhilHealth Konsulta Package, and national maternal and newborn healthcare standards.
Its establishment reinforces the local government’s Aksyon Bilis healthcare initiative, which promotes medical services that are fast, accessible, reliable, and responsive to community needs.
Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships
The completion of the Aksyon Bilis Wellness Hub demonstrates the impact of cooperation between government institutions and the private sector in addressing community healthcare challenges.
Rather than allowing an unfinished public facility to remain unused, the partnership successfully converted an existing government asset into a valuable center for public health services.
The Santo Tomas facility marks SM Foundation’s 234th health and wellness center nationwide, further strengthening the organization’s continuing commitment to improving healthcare access in underserved communities.
With its doors now open, the City Health Center II – Aksyon Bilis Wellness Hub stands as a symbol of renewed opportunity, community partnership, and a shared commitment to building healthier Filipino families.P
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