Village Connect
For many Filipinos, seeking medical attention is often delayed—not because they ignore their health, but because the cost of consultations, transportation, and medicines can be difficult to afford. This reality makes preventive healthcare services more valuable, especially for families with limited resources.
One of those who experienced this challenge was Lolita, a resident of Barangay San Rafael in San Pablo City. For nearly a year, she struggled with recurring dizziness and episodes of rapid heartbeat but could not afford regular medical consultations. Even traveling to the nearest government health center required around ₱300 for transportation, forcing her to choose between healthcare and daily household expenses.
Her situation changed when she learned that SM Foundation had once again brought its annual medical mission to SM City San Pablo. Determined to understand her condition despite feeling unwell, she joined hundreds of residents seeking free healthcare services.
The visit gave her more than free medicines—it provided reassurance. Years earlier, she had been diagnosed with high blood sugar, elevated cholesterol, and high uric acid levels, conditions that required continuous maintenance medication. After receiving treatment and advice during previous SM Foundation medical missions, she continued taking her prescribed medicines. This year’s laboratory results showed significant improvement, giving her confidence that her efforts to care for her health were making a difference.
For Lolita, knowing her true medical condition eased months of uncertainty and anxiety. She said the greatest benefit she received was peace of mind.
According to San Pablo City Health Officer Dr. Mercydina Adbona Caponpon, preventive healthcare plays a vital role because many illnesses develop silently without obvious symptoms. Diseases such as hypertension and diabetes often remain unnoticed until serious complications occur, making regular medical examinations essential for early detection.
She explained that healthcare involves prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, but prevention remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness and improve long-term health outcomes.
SM Foundation has long embraced this approach through its medical missions, which focus not only on distributing medicines but also on identifying medical conditions before they worsen.
Resident Physician Dr. Bless Bertos explained that many participants initially visit the mission simply to receive vitamins or free medicines. However, comprehensive health screenings frequently reveal previously undiagnosed conditions, including high blood pressure and other chronic illnesses that require immediate attention.
The medical mission offers free consultations, laboratory examinations, electrocardiograms (ECG), X-rays, dental services, and optical care, enabling volunteer healthcare professionals to detect potential health concerns and recommend appropriate treatment.
Unlike one-time outreach activities, SM Foundation continues returning to partner communities each year. Patients are referred to their local health centers for continuous treatment while succeeding medical missions help monitor their progress and encourage healthier lifestyles.
This year’s mission, conducted on July 2, served residents from 10 barangays in San Pablo City through a partnership among SM Foundation, SM City San Pablo, the City Health Office, SPC Medical, the Philippine Red Cross, the Provincial Health Office, San Pablo Infinity 104 MJF Lions Club International, and Acebedo Optical. Together, they delivered 1,521 free healthcare services.
Beyond the number of consultations and medical services provided, the initiative reflects the importance of making healthcare more accessible. For residents like Lolita, early diagnosis, continuous monitoring, and timely treatment have not only improved physical health but also restored confidence and peace of mind—demonstrating how preventive care can change lives before illnesses become more serious.
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