LAPU-LAPU City – SM Foundation Inc. turned over the newly-renovated/refurbished BGen Benito N. Ebuen Air Base Hospital today to the officers and staff of the 560th Airlift Wing in Lapu Lapu City. This is the 32nd improved military health facility, the 154th Felicidad T. Sy Wellness Center donated and upgraded by the foundation to communities where the Group’s businesses operate and as the conglomerate’s contribution in uplifting the healing of the wounded and sick men in uniform.
The nearest malls to the BFBNEAB Hospital are SM City Consolacion and SM Hypermarket of Lapu Lapu City.
The deed of donation for the improved facility was signed by Brig. Gen. Marcelino Randy Tibayan, deputy commander of Air Mobility Command on behalf of Maj. Gen. Alejandro Baclayon, commander of AMC of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Connie Angeles, SAVP & Executive Director of SMFI Health &Medical Programs, and Maj. Mares Cecile Lapada, OIC of the facility.
The one-storey hospital used to operate only as an infirmary sitting on 925.7 sq.m prime property. It currently services 5,706 uniformed personnel and their dependents under the Air Mobility Command, the 560th Air Base Group, the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing and the TOWCEN or the Tactial Operations Wing Central.
With the foundation’s upgrade, the facility can now apply for accreditation as Level 1 hospital.
The BGBNEAB Hospital first opened its doors on Feb. 14, 1964 as the Mactan Air Base Medical Dispensary. It was a support unit tasked to provide medical care to military personnel, direct dependents and civilian employees of the AFP particularly from the Philippine Air Force assigned in the area.
The hospital used to be located on the grounds of the MEPZ II in Lapu Lapu City but on June 19, 1999 it was renamed to Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base Hospital in honor of the former Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force.
Other Air Forces facilities which have been renovated by SM Foundation are the Philippine Air Force General Hospital in Villamor Airbase, Air Force City Hospital in Clark, and Fernando Airbase Station Hospital in Lipa.