More residents of GIDAs (Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas) in Polomolok, South Cotabato will be able to avail of quality healthcare services at the Polomolok East Community Clinic and the Polomolok FTS Center & Animal Bite Clinic with the turnover and inauguration of the renovated health center to the local government unit by SM Foundation recently. The Polomolok East Community Clinic (PECC) serves as the annex facility of the Polomolok Municipal Health Department. The renovation was undertaken in partnership with the local government unit and the Mahintana Foundation, Inc.
based in Polomolok. The Mahintana Foundation was established on August 12, 1977 and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 12, 1977. Its programs benefit communities in Region 12 and other provinces in Mindanao.
It has programs in public health, livelihood and housing as well as environment protection. Through the years, it has established networks and linkages with local and international organizations giving rise to its myriad programs and projects that benefit many residents of GIDAs. Historically, SM Foundation’s programs and projects have benefitted many individuals from GIDAs and members of the IP community such as the Aetas and the T’bolis.
With the renovation, the center has been repainted, consultation rooms were provided with partitions for privacy, the pharmacy was upgraded and provided with needed drugs and medicines; and lighting as well as ventilation were improved. SM Foundation also created hydration and nebulization areas. For nursing mothers, the center now has a comfortable breastfeeding area with a couch, a new air-conditioning unit and a refrigerator for milk storage.
New facilities SM Foundation also included new facilities, such as the Felicidad T. Sy area for Elderly and Children, handwashing Area, Rainwater Catchment System, and a Mobile Play Cabinet that will better suit the needs of the community. With the renovation, greater comfort for patients and healthcare providers is assured and healthcare delivery is improved.
The center services the barangays of Maligo, Landan, Kinilis, Silway 7, Upper Klinan, Klinan 6, Cannery 1, Cannery 2, Lamcaliaf and Palkan whose inhabitants predominantly belong to the IP community. Present during the inauguration and turn over ceremony was Dr. Aristides C.
Tan, DOH XII Regional Director, who hailed the project as a “foundation of health and prosperity” for the community. SM Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs Connie Angeles led the SM Foundation team who travelled to Polomolok for the event. In her remarks, she expressed SMFI’s appreciation for the support of the LGU and the Mahintana Foundation in delivering healthcare services to the needy through its health programs.
Mahintana’s health programs include the Task Force Polomolok Kalikasan, Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (TFP3K), and the HealthPlus shop-in-a-shop, which is now located in the PECC in collaboration with Dolefil. Also in attendance were Dole Philippines Inc., represented by Yohei Kajikawa, VP of Dolefil, Mary Jane D.
Cruz, Dolefil HR Director, and Raquel J. Ramirez, Dolefil HR Manager; Dr. Eva B.
Hormigos, Board Member of Mahintana; John Licayan, Department of the Interior and Local Government Chief of Staff; and Capt. Rogie Munoz of the 10th SF Company; Gen. Gerardo Barrientos (Ret), Municipal Administrator representing LGU Polomolok; Leo Cordova, SB Committee Chairperson on Peace Development and Agriculture; Jerome Ante, Municipal IPMR, Tribal Chieftain of Brgy.
Landan; Calixto B. Salada, Municipal Councilor; Rogen Ermitanio, Brgy. Captain of Cannery Site, and captains of eight other barangays.
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