MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported that 785,897 residents in 620 insurgency-cleared barangays across the country are now benefiting from 478 completed barangay health stations built under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) from 2021 to 2025, with a total funding of ₱1.977 billion.

The DILG said these facilities symbolize more than just numbers, serving as “a story of hope and transformation” for communities once isolated from government services. The barangay health stations provide residents with easier access to medical care, particularly in far-flung areas.

In Barangay Udtongan, City of Escalante, Nurse Ruffy J. Gasparillo said their health station, staffed by midwives and barangay health workers, now offers free consultations, medicines, dental and laboratory services, family planning support, and basic first aid.

“Napakahalaga ng barangay health station na ipinatayo sa pamamagitan ng SBDP dito sa Barangay Udtongan sapagkat mas naging accessible po ang pagbibigay ng mga health services sa mga constituents ng aming barangay,” Gasparillo said.

For Barangay Calaoagan, Piat, Cagayan chief Arnold Baingan, the project has brought significant relief to residents who previously had to travel nine kilometers to reach the Municipal Health Unit.

“Naging mas madali, mabilis, at kumportable ang mga tao sa komunidad na nagpapa-konsulta sa aming barangay health station. Dahil regular po ang dating ng mga health workers, nakatakda na rin ang mga schedules ng mga kabarangay, lalo na sa mga may regular check-ups,” Baingan said.

The DILG added that 50 more barangay health stations are under construction, eight are in the procurement stage, and 82 are in pre-procurement.

Apart from health facilities, the SBDP also funds farm-to-market roads, water supply systems, rural electrification, agricultural facilities, housing, and rehabilitation projects, all identified by local residents through the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) and incorporated into their Barangay Development Plans (BDPs).

The DILG said both the RCSP and SBDP support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-nation approach to achieving peace and development, ensuring that even the most remote communities gain access to essential services and livelihood opportunities.