We Care | Global Health Collaboration Between Borders

25 Feb 2026 | SHP POP!

Since 2019, SingHealth Polyclinics’ Global Health Initiative (GHI) has worked alongside communities in San Vicente, Palawan to strengthen primary care through clinical services, hands‑on training and community empowerment programmes. What began as a small global health elective for Family Medicine residents has grown into a sustained, multi‑year collaboration involving doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and programme executives. To formalise and deepen this partnership, SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP) and the Provincial Government of Palawan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance community health efforts, scale capacity‑building for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), and extend support to more municipalities across the province.

A proud moment with the signed MOU certificates. (From left to right: Mr. Paul Wong, Assistant Director, International Collaboration Office, SingHealth, Dr David Ng, Chair of FM ACP and CEO, SHP, Hon. Governor Amy Roa Alvarez, Governor of Palawan, Philippines, Ms. Lydia A. Rodriguez, Provincial Gender and Development Officer, Palawan, Philippines, Ms. Rosanna O. Cacho, Executive Assistant, Office of the Governor, Palawan, Philippines)

On 6 February 2026, SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP) and the Provincial Government of Palawan, Philippines, formalised their longstanding collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant step in their partnership. Held at the SHP PRiME Training Centre, the ceremony reaffirmed both organisations’ commitment to advancing community health and celebrated three years of sustained collaboration in San Vicente, Palawan.

The MOU was signed by Hon. Governor Amy Roa Alvarez, Dr David Ng, Chair of the SingHealth Family Medicine Academic Clinical Programme (FM ACP) and CEO of SHP, and Ms Lydia A. Rodriguez, Provincial Gender and Development Officer. With key representatives in attendance, the ceremony reaffirmed a joint pledge to enhance health outcomes across the province.

Signing of the MOU by Dr David Ng, Governor Amy and Ms Lydia

Reflecting on Three Years of Impactful Collaboration

SHP’s Global Health Initiative Team 5 with their host family in San Vicente, Palawan (May 2025)

Since 2019, the SingHealth Family Medicine Residency Global Health Initiative has deployed multidisciplinary teams to San Vicente, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and a programme executive. Over the years:

More than 3,600 patients were seen across barangays (villages) New Canipo, Binga, Sto Niño, Alimanguan and Caruray.

Nearly 100 Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) received competency-based training in essential skills including blood pressure measurement, wound care, asthma rescue therapy and chronic disease management.

100 BHW toolkits— which includes important tools such as stethoscopes, pen-torches, blood pressure sets with key sponsorship by JTGroup and supported by other individuals for BHWs to do basic assessments of their patients.

The partnership delivered a comprehensive curriculum spanning hypertension, dengue, diabetes, wound care, medication management and more. These were accompanied by competency assessments and case‑based reviews to reinforce learning.

Community empowerment initiatives expanded through health education, physiotherapy outreach, dental and nutrition programmes, and a community garden project (“Greens for Plates & Palates”).

Physiotherapist Sin Thien led a shoulder mobility and pain-relief demonstration for BHWs,
with Terrence from JTGroup serving as the model

SHP nurses Hidayah and Ilyana trained BHWs on the essential steps of
breast self-examination to promote early detection

During the MOU Signing event, Dr Wong Wei Teen, Lead Faculty of the GHI and Clinic Director of Outram Polyclinic, presented a heartfelt review of the collaboration’s achievements, supported by Dr Tang Xin Er, Resident Physician.

Dr Wong Wei Teen and Dr Tang Xin Er presenting
key milestones and reflections from the Global Health Initiative

Dr Wong described the partnership as “a journey of miles and smiles – deeply worthwhile.” She emphasised that the initiative has been a two-way learning experience — “we are not only trainers; we also learn along the journey” — underscoring the mutual growth fostered between SHP teams and Palawan communities.

Dr Wong also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the SHP family, whose generous donations—from digital thermometers and blood pressure monitors to dental kits, walking sticks and soft toys—have been instrumental across multiple missions.

Dr Tang, a Team 5 resident physician, shared compelling first-hand accounts of managing complex clinical cases in resource-limited settings and the inspiring resilience of the local villagers.

Voices from Palawan: A Partnership Built on Trust

Governor Amy expressing her gratitude and hopes for the expanded partnership

In an emotional speech, Governor Amy thanked the SHP teams for their unwavering support. She recalled how, even during her time as Mayor of San Vicente, health had been her top priority despite significant budgetary constraints. The support from GHI teams — who travelled twice yearly — made a tangible difference in her municipality.

An overwhelming response and a full house of patients at Alimanguan

Pharmacy station supported by the JTGroup team and FM Residency members,
ensuring patients received their medications promptly

Now as Governor overseeing 23 municipalities and numerous island communities, she expressed hope that the renewed MOU would allow the programme to reach other areas in need.

She highlighted the ongoing efforts to upgrade 16 district hospitals and expressed her appreciation for SHP’s continued partnership as Palawan navigates this transformative stage of growth.

Acknowledging Our Partners and Champions

Dr David Ng presenting Mr Jeffeury Tan of JTGroup
with a plaque of appreciation for their continual support

Dr David Ng shared that the initiative began as a spark of passion and has grown stronger with each trip, as the team continues to learn, and the partnership deepens. He also expressed his gratitude to JTGroup for their unwavering support — from sponsoring toolkits to sending staff members on the November 2025 trip, where they worked alongside SHP teams on the ground.

A Future Built on Deeper Engagement

The newly signed MOU broadens the project’s scope beyond San Vicente. Plans include expanding training to more BHWs, strengthening municipal health offices, scaling competency-based BHW training, and exploring new regional sites — including areas with unique challenges such as malaria risk in southern municipalities.

Looking Forward: Advancing Health Through Partnership

The SingHealth–Palawan partnership continues to exemplify how global health collaboration can uplift communities through shared learning, cultural humility and collective purpose. As both teams embark on the next phase of this journey, they remain united in their mission to strengthen primary care and build community capacity—nurturing healthier futures, both locally and globally, together. We warmly welcome corporate partners who can make a difference through in-kind sponsorships in support of our Global Health Initiative. Your contribution, whether in products, services or resources, will go a long way in strengthening our outreach efforts and extending quality care to underserved communities. Please email to givingtoshp@singhealth.com.sg to create a sustainable impact!

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