Navy officers eager to serve after SM Foundation renovates medical dispensary
Nearly twenty years after Petty Officer 2nd Class Julhasan Arasain made the ultimate sacrifice during Typhoon Reming, his legacy continues not just in memory but in action.
At the Naval Station in Legazpi City, named after Arasain, military medical personnel uphold his standard of selflessness, now within a revitalized facility designed to better serve both the uniformed and civilian populations.
The facility bore the strain of time, with aging infrastructure, limited space, and outdated systems that hampered its full potential.
Amidst this, LTC Kristine Abegail Cayco-Reyes DS, Commanding Officer of the NSJA-DS and CPT Monica Anne Yap MC, Commanding Officer of the NSJA-MD, persevered with other medical officers of the Philippine Navy. They are tasked with serving more than 500 active and reserve Navy personnel, veterans, and their families. They also serve the growing communities of Barangays Rawis and Bogtong, home to roughly 15,000 residents.
Committed to serve
Dr. Cayco-Reyes shared that Bicol is prone to typhoons and experiences long rainy seasons, which, over time, have led to the persistent roof leaks, rusting, and other weather-related damage to the dispensary.
The newly inaugurated NSJA Dental Dispensary boasts a spacious layout with capacity for three dental chairs and fixed roof, enhancing both sanitation standards and uninterrupted clinic operations.
“Bicol gets hit by a lot of typhoons. When it rains, roof leaks become an issue. Additionally, if you’re in the middle of a surgery and the power suddenly fluctuates, the treatment has to stop. A five-minute procedure ends up taking much longer,” she shared.
These operational challenges not only affected efficiency but, more critically, posed a challenge to ensure patient safety and comfort.
She also observed that oral health often takes a back seat in the barangays they serve.
“When it comes to dental care, it’s often neglected. People will prioritize buying rice over seeing a dentist. It has almost become part of the culture—if there’s no pain, there’s no need to get checked.”
Collaboration for better healthcare services
Through its Wellness Center Program, SM Foundation improved the interior of the dispensary, creating a more functional layout that aligns with modern medical workflows. The dental wing was expanded to include dedicated space for storage, and radiography and prosthodontic sections.
The former ambulance bay is now a bright, welcoming waiting area—designed for patient comfort and a calming, healing environment.
The former ambulance bay now serves as a bright and welcoming waiting area—designed to prioritize patient comfort and foster a calming, healing environment.
Meeting the standard
Beyond aesthetics and equipment, the renovation tackled fundamental infrastructure challenges. Upgraded plumbing, power systems, and storage spaces now support the clinic’s ability to maintain sanitation and operational continuity.
“When you see a clean and well-maintained space, you immediately feel confident that the environment is safe for treatment. Patients feel more comfortable getting checked up because they don’t have to worry about sanitation. Even for minor procedures—like stitches or simple operations—the area really needs to be clean and sterile,” Dr. Yap said.
The dispensary’s upgraded environment also positions it closer to accreditation from the Department of Health and PhilHealth. Once achieved, this would enable them to expand their services. Supporting this, the foundation also rolled out the SM DigiKonsulta.
“Healthcare facilities like this medical and dental dispensary are incredibly valuable to the members of the AFP and Navy,” Yap emphasized. “As a naval officer, you know that no matter what happens, someone will be there to help and take care of you. It’s a symbol of support that boosts morale and strengthens the resolve of our soldiers.”
With a cleaner, brighter, and more inviting space, commanding officers of NSJA-MDD hope to shift community attitudes toward preventive health.
“I’m very confident because our new facility is warm and inviting. Especially in dental services, once people see that the environment is welcoming and safe, they’ll feel encouraged to come in for regular check-ups. This, in turn, helps promote preventive health,” Dr. Cayco-Reyes said.
As the dispensary opens its doors once again, Arasain’s legacy lives on not just in name, but in daily acts of service—renewed now with facilities that reflect the dignity of the mission and the needs of the people it serves.
From the Navy personnel it protects to the civilians it welcomes, the renovated dispensary shows that healthcare, delivered with compassion and excellence, is one of the highest forms of public service.
The clean and well-thought-out spaces build confidence in the safety of the treatment environment, helping patients feel more at ease.
