BARUGO, Leyte — The SM Foundation has opened the first Wellness Hub in Eastern Visayas at the Barugo Municipal Hospital, boosting healthcare services for children and senior citizens in the town.
The facility, formally turned over to the local government on Thursday, July 30, is designed to provide a more comfortable and patient-friendly environment while expanding the hospital’s capacity to serve pediatric and geriatric patients.
SM Foundation Executive Director Connie Angeles said the wellness hub underscores the foundation’s commitment to improving healthcare access in underserved communities. She also assured local officials that the foundation would continue assisting in the facility’s maintenance.
Aside from the wellness hub, the foundation donated laptops to the hospital to support the establishment of an electronic medical records system, making hospital operations more efficient and improving patients’ access to PhilHealth services.
According to SM Foundation Senior Project Manager Engr. Albert Uy, the P4-million project was built based on the healthcare priorities identified by the local government. Construction started in February 2026 and increased the hospital’s capacity from six to 14 beds.
Mayor Aaron Balais welcomed the project, saying it strengthens the municipality’s healthcare program for children and senior citizens, who are among the community’s most vulnerable sectors.
The Wellness Hub is the 10th established by the SM Foundation nationwide and the first to serve communities in Eastern Visayas.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
