Village Connect
In the heart of Ilocos Norte, hope and healing take on a refreshed form as the Laoag City Rural Health Unit III (RHU III) reopens its doors—reborn as a modern primary healthcare facility through the support of the SM Foundation. Once a modest community clinic, the RHU III now stands as a model for accessible, sustainable, and technology-enabled healthcare for over 35,000 residents across 23 barangays.
The full-scale renovation transformed every corner of the center. Patients are now welcomed by a bright, comfortable receiving area, while the redesigned layout ensures smoother consultations and better patient flow. Clinical spaces were upgraded with new equipment, LED lighting, and air-cleaning paints that promote a safer and more hygienic environment. Each detail reflects a commitment to dignity and wellness for every patient who walks through its doors.
One of the most significant upgrades is the birthing home, which now meets Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth standards. This upgrade paves the way for the facility’s Primary Care Facility (PCF) accreditation and participation in PhilHealth’s YAKAP Program, expanding healthcare coverage for mothers and infants in the region.
Sustainability and digital innovation are also at the heart of the transformation. The SM Foundation installed a rainwater catchment system to ensure efficient water use and launched DigiKonsulta, a digital consultation and recordkeeping system that enables remote medical access and better patient data management. These enhancements align with the foundation’s vision of building health facilities that are both future-ready and community-centered.
Established in 2018 to serve residents on the south side of the Padsan River, Laoag RHU III continues to provide essential services—immunization, disease surveillance, maternal and child care, dental services, and free medical consultations.
Now, with its upgraded infrastructure and digital capabilities, RHU III stands stronger than ever—a beacon of inclusive, modern healthcare and a testament to how partnerships can transform communities, one patient at a time.
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