Healthcare milestone reached: BDO Foundation rehabilitates 250th rural health unit
[Photo 1] 250th RHU milestone achieved. Health officers and guests from the community and local government celebrate Compostela Rural Health Unit in Cebu as the 250th RHU rehabilitated since 2012. [Photo 2] A safe health space for kids. Part of BDO Foundation’s improvements in a health facility is the addition of a play area component where kids can play with toys and read books while waiting for their check up. [Photo 3] Providing health and comfort for patients. Under BDO Foundation’s RHU rehabilitation program, improvements were made to the layouts of the health centers, waiting areas, seating, essential furnishings, and door and area signages for the benefit of the patients and health workers.
Communities across the country now have improved access to healthcare services following the turnover of 22 rural health units (RHUs) and primary care facilities successfully rehabilitated by BDO Foundation so far in 2026.
Compostela Rural Health Unit in Cebu, the 22nd RHU, marked the 250th rehabilitated by the foundation under this program since 2012, a significant milestone that coincides with BDO’s 50th anniversary celebration this year.
The 250 health centers, recommended to the foundation by BDO and BDO Network Bank branches in their respective areas, serve more than 11 million Filipinos in areas vulnerable to natural disasters and other challenges that often disrupt the delivery of essential health services.
BDO Foundation has completed the rehabilitation of the following 22 health facilities so far in 2026:
• Daet Rural Health Unit III, Camarines Norte
• Sipocot Rural Health Unit, Camarines Sur
• Municipal Health Office of Camaligan, Camarines Sur
• Asturias Rural Health Unit, Cebu
• Balamban Rural Health Unit II and Birthing Center, Cebu
• Guihulngan Primary Care Facility I, Negros Oriental
• Anini-y Polyclinic and Primary Healthcare Facility, Antique
• Zamboanguita Primary Care Facility, Negros Oriental
• Labason Rural Health Unit, Zamboanga del Norte
• Leganes Primary Care Facility, Iloilo
• Bingawan Rural Health Unit, Iloilo
• San Jose Primary Care Facility, Negros Oriental
• Tanjay City Health Unit I, Negros Oriental
• El Salvador City Health Office, Misamis Oriental
• Sogod Rural Health Unit, Cebu
• Buhi Rural Health Unit I, Camarines Sur
• Magarao Municipal Health Office, Camarines Sur
• Pamplona Rural Health Unit, Camarines Sur
• Cabusao Rural Health Unit, Camarines Sur
• Banaybanay Rural Health Unit, Davao Oriental
• RHU-Nabunturan Primary Care Facility, Davao de Oro
• Compostela Rural Health Unit, Cebu
For many communities, the rehabilitation of their health facilities comes at a critical time.
According to local health officials, natural disasters in recent years have exposed the vulnerability of aging healthcare infrastructure. In Compostela, Cebu, Typhoon Tino and the earthquake last year disrupted healthcare delivery as damaged roads, landslides, and unsafe facilities made it difficult for residents to access medical services.
In addition, years of wear and tear had left portions of the facility in poor condition. Damaged restrooms, deteriorating ceilings, cracked walls, and unusable wash areas affected both patient experience and the working conditions of healthcare personnel.
RHUs often serve as the first and most accessible point of contact for healthcare, especially for residents with limited financial resources. Health workers continued serving their communities despite damaged infrastructure, interruptions in electricity and water supply, communication challenges, and shortages of medicines and medical supplies.
Today, residents are welcomed into safer and more comfortable facilities with improved lighting, upgraded interiors, and enhanced infrastructure that support the delivery of quality healthcare services. The improvements not only create a more dignified environment for patients but also help healthcare workers provide more efficient and compassionate care. Furthermore, the enhanced facilities enable the local government to meet the Department of Health and Philhealth standards, making them qualify to access additional resources for the communities.
Through its RHU rehabilitation program, BDO Foundation contributes to government’s efforts toward universal health care and to Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
