As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the SM Group donated a Felicidad Sy Wellness Center to the Air Force General Hospital (AFGH), completely renovating its Pediatric Out-Patient Department and providing it with equipment and furniture.

The formal turnover to officials of the Philippine Air Force was effected in ceremonies attended by PAF officials led by Lt. Gen.

Oscar H. Rabena, commanding general; Col. Joseph M. Acosta, AFGH commanding officer; and Brig. Gen. Joel Marayag, wing commander, 520th Air Base Wing, by SM Foundation officials Connie Angeles, executive director for health and medical services, and Linda Atayde, executive director for education.

Former Sen. Juan Flavier was special guest at the turnover ceremonies.

The 150-bed hospital’s Pediatric-Out Patient Ward, which houses the OPD-PediaImmunization, Family Medicine, Pharmacy, Diabetes Clinic, Internal Medicine, OPD Surgery, OPD OB Gyne, EENT, OPD X-Ray room, and Physical Therapy rooms, was renovated, repainted, and fitted with equipment and furniture.

The Bay Area that serves as waiting room for child patients prior to consultation or treatment was painted with murals and fitted with play equipment the young patients can use while awaiting treatment.

Serving military personnel and their dependents as well as communities near Villamor Airbase, the hospital originally had only 100 beds. This was increased to 150 as the hospital began serving civilian employees of the armed forces and residents of neighboring communities. Today, outsiders make up 10 percent of the hospital’s patients.

On the average, the hospital treats 75 patients daily and conducts 15 major operations weekly. It has 100 to 110 out-patient cases per day. The hospital has been modernized with new medical equipment; two new ambulances, and a budgetary increase from R5.8 million to P12 million.

The establishment of Felicidad Sy Wellness Center is one of the projects of the foundation. According to Connie Angeles, SM Foundation executive director for health and medical programs, more centers will be adopted even after the 50th anniversary celebration of SM.

Felicidad Centers are to be inaugurated in two government hospitals in Bulacan before the year ends, she said.