Community Health
Pfizer Phils Foundation & PBSP launch 1st ever Pfizer Blue House in the country
In Bacacay, Albay, the population of almost 65,000 has only nine health stations and only two doctors, one dentist, one dental aid, two nurses, nine midwives, one medical technologist, and one sanitary inspector. The numbers are staggering; the statistics clearly reflect the health and access status of this small town. What’s even more saddening is the fact that these numbers may actually represent the status not just of Bacacay, but the whole country.
Responding to the dire needs of the community, Pfizer Philippines Foundation Inc (PPFI), together with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) entered into a partnership with the Bacacay local government in September 2009. Called the Pfizer Blue House, the project seeks to improve the accessibility of quality healthcare services in select underserved communities. Included in the plans are the construction of a barangay health station, delivery of basic medical equipment, administration of capability and skills enhancement training sessions for barangay health workers and community-based organizations and an information and education campaign on healthcare for the residents themselves.
Last March 12, PPFI launched the first ever Blue House in Barangay Sula, Bacacay, Albay. The event was attended by no less than PPFI’s Chairman, Ahmet Genel, PBSP’s Executive Director Rafael “Rapa” C. Lopa, Bacacay Mayor Tobias Betito and Sula’s Barangay Captain Benjamin Belbes. Almost 280 people, both children and adults, were present to participate in the launch and blessing of the Blue House. Pfizer's Bicol-based sales colleagues likewise conducted an 'ENGAGE' volunteer activity by conducting educational games and distributing Pfizer Consumer Healthcare products.
“This is a very heartwarming initiative, very inspiring and uplifting. In line with helping together to be able to contribute to the country, the launch of the Blue House signifies the realization of all the hard work and dedication of colleagues and local communities,”” said Genel.
“As a pharmaceutical company, we are expected to produce quality medicines that help cure diseases. But to go beyond that, and actually make a conscious effort to help improve the overall healthcare of Filipinos, indicates an innate desire borne out of malasakit and a well-rooted sense of Corporate Social Responsibility. We are very pleased that PBSP and other partners share this aspiration with us, and that we have their support in endeavors such as this,” said Patricia Pascual, Vice Chairman of PPFI.
Rafael “Rapa” C. Lopa reiterated that the Blue House project is Pfizer’s response to a call for quality healthcare by Bacacay residents, and giving them access to basic health will go a long way in safeguarding their health.
“We are truly proud of being a part of this momentous event, the launch of the first Pfizer Blue House in the country. We are all very thankful to Pfizer Philippines Foundation for looking into the health situation in the country. It is now a matter of scaling up the work that Pfizer started. Now, the hard part begins,” shared Lopa.
The Pfizer Blue House is indeed a strong testament to promote collaboration and work with partners for a healthier world!