SM builds a hospital ward exclusively for Aetas

MANILA, Philippines - From the ashes of lahar and indigenous materials that Aetas have grown up with, the SM Foundation converted one unused ward of the Porac Hospital in Pampanga to be used solely by Aetas who are sick and their family members tending to them.

Called the Felicidad Sy Cultural Minority Ward for Aetas, the wing was remodeled, repainted, equipped with hospital beds and cribs with side tables, wall fans, IV stands for dextrose and toilets. The wing houses two adult wards and one children’s ward, with a receiving room with furniture and a television set.

The renovation had to conform with the customs of this minority group so that there is a makeshift kitchen since Aetas cook their own food as hospital food is for patients only. They bring along their children when no one could take care of them in their homes. Verandas are built around the wards to provide patients with fresh air.

The wing was inaugurated and blessed recently with Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio as guest of honor together with former Health Secretary and Senator Juan Flavier, and Mayor Rogelio Santos.

SM Foundation executive director for health and medical programs Connie Angeles emphasized that the promotion of health and well-being of cultural minorities is of paramount importance to the Foundation. “We constantly review our medical programs to service the needs of our target beneficiaries, in this case the Aetas,” she said.

Dr. Merlyn Baquiran, acting chief of the 25-bed hospital which has five doctors and six regular nurses attending to regular patients and Aetas, said the cultural minority ward will help resolve the Aetas’ usual discomfort when mingling with other people.

Medicine for the Aeta ward will be provided by the provincial government.

Angeles has committed to provide the hospital with medicines from its Gamot Para sa Kapwa program.

Aside from giving basic health services to the Aetas, hospital staff also educate them on how to adapt to modern medicine and hygienic practices, said Dr. Baquiran, who noted that the minorities often resort to self medication and come to the hospital only if things get serious.

The staff does not frown on the use of herbal medicine by the Aetas, allowing them sometimes to go on day passes to get “tawas” from village elders.

The SM Foundation now has 45 Wellness Centers for children and the elderly, aside from SM hospice units in Pampanga, Lucena, Iloilo and Quezon City for the terminally-ill. SM Foundation has also built many community health centers.