A Legacy of Service, Renewed

Nearly two decades after Petty Officer 2nd Class Julhasan Arasain gave his life during the deadly onslaught of Typhoon Reming, his name lives on—not only in remembrance, but in the enduring spirit of service carried out each day at the Naval Station that bears his name.

Now, with the help of SM Foundation, the Naval Station Julhasan Arasain Medical and Dental Dispensary (NSJA-MDD) in Legazpi City has been reborn. The facility, once struggling under the weight of aging infrastructure and climate-induced wear, has been revitalized to meet the growing demands of both military and civilian patients.

Healing Beyond Uniforms

Refurbished under the SM Foundation’s Wellness Center Program, the dispensary now stands as a testament to collective care and shared purpose. What was once a cramped, deteriorating facility is now a modern hub for healthcare—serving not just over 500 Navy personnel and veterans, but also the residents of Barangays Rawis and Bogtong, home to an estimated 15,000 civilians.

“Bicol’s long rainy seasons and frequent typhoons have always been tough on the facility,” shared LTC Kristine Abegail Cayco-Reyes DS, Commanding Officer of the medical dispensary. “The roof leaks, power issues, and rusting made it hard to provide consistent care.”

Those weather-induced challenges are now addressed with fixed roofing, upgraded power systems, and restructured clinic spaces. The dental wing alone now features three modern dental chairs, along with new areas for prosthodontic care, radiography, and storage.

From Disrepair to Dignity

The transformation goes beyond walls and wires. According to CPT Monica Anne Yap MC, Commanding Officer of the dental wing, even small procedures demand a sterile and trustworthy space.

“When patients see a clean, well-organized clinic, it immediately boosts their confidence in the safety of their treatment. That sense of trust is critical,” Yap said.

The former ambulance bay now serves as a bright and calming waiting area, creating a more patient-friendly environment that aligns with best practices in modern outpatient care.

Raising Health Standards, One Visit at a Time

Dr. Cayco-Reyes noted that in the surrounding barangays, oral health often takes a back seat due to economic priorities. “Many people here choose to buy food over going to the dentist,” she said. “They wait until the pain is unbearable.”

With a cleaner and more inviting space, the staff hopes to encourage earlier visits and preventive care—especially among children and working families. The SM DigiKonsulta program, also introduced as part of the partnership, supports this goal by enabling digital consultations and follow-ups.

The renovations are not just cosmetic; they bring the facility closer to Department of Health and PhilHealth accreditation—unlocking greater potential to offer expanded medical and dental services.

Continuing a Hero’s Mission

For the men and women who walk the halls of NSJA-MDD, the story of Julhasan Arasain is more than a name etched in stone—it’s a call to serve with courage and compassion.

“Facilities like this send a message,” said Dr. Yap. “They tell our soldiers and our citizens alike: you matter, and your health matters.”

As patients walk through newly painted halls, sit in sunlit waiting areas, and receive treatment in updated dental chairs, the essence of Arasain’s sacrifice lives on—not only in legacy, but in every life made better by care.