DKT Philippines Foundation Launches First-Ever Family Planning Floating Clinic in the Philippines

"For more than three decades, DKT Philippines Foundation has worked to remove barriers to family planning through innovation and strong partnerships. The SODEX Floating Clinic is another important step in that mission, allowing us to bring more communities better access to family planning products and services of their choice." ~Denise van Dijk, Chair of the Board of DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc. and President and CEO of DKT Health, Inc.,

In partnership with the Ministry of Health-BARMM, the first-of-its-kind SODEX Floating Clinic aims to bring free family planning services to hard-to-reach communities in BARMM

I recently learned about an inspiring healthcare initiative that I believe deserves more attention—the launch of the Philippines’ first-ever family planning floating clinic by the DKT Philippines Foundation, a non-profit organization powered by TRUST.

The floating clinic was officially launched on August 20, 2026, at BangkaPro in Taguig City, the vessel’s builder. What makes this initiative special is that it was developed in partnership with the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through DKT Philippines Foundation’s Service Outreach and Distribution Extension (SODEX) Program.

For me, this is more than just another healthcare project. It’s a creative and meaningful way of bringing essential family planning and reproductive health services directly to communities where access can be challenging because of geography.

During the launch, DKT Philippines Foundation Chair of the Board and DKT Health, Inc. President and CEO Denise van Dijk emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to making quality reproductive healthcare accessible to every Filipino.

A Floating Clinic That Brings Healthcare to the Last Mile

Starting September 2026, the floating clinic will travel to communities in Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur.

The goal is simple but very important: make quality family planning services more accessible, especially for people living in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

What I appreciate about the project is that the services are offered FOR FREE. The floating clinic will provide family planning consultations and counseling, as well as different contraceptive options depending on the needs and informed choices of patients.

Among the services available are long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and two-rod implants, together with temporary methods including pills, injectables, and condoms.

Why Family Planning Access Matters

Family planning is not simply about contraception. It is also about giving individuals and couples the opportunity to make informed choices about their reproductive health and future.

The initiative also received support from the Ministry of Health-BARMM Director General II, Technical Services Dr. Ahmad-Fawadz Israel represented Minister Dr. Kadil “Jojo” M. Sinolinding Jr. and shared the Ministry’s message about improving healthcare access in communities where geography can still be a major barrier.

Representing the Department of Health (DOH) was National Family Planning Program Manager Dr. Hardy Dumawing. The DOH highlighted that family planning is an important health intervention and an essential part of Universal Health Care.

And honestly, this is where I think the floating clinic can make a real difference—because healthcare should not stop at the places that are easiest to reach.

"Many communities across BARMM continue to face significant challenges in accessing healthcare because of distance and geography. The SODEX Floating Clinic allows us to bring family planning information and services directly to our people instead of expecting them to travel long distances for care. This public-private partnership strengthens our commitment to making quality reproductive healthcare more accessible and responsive to the needs of Bangsamoro communities." ~Dr. Kadil "Jojo" M. Sinolinding Jr., Director General II, Technical Services, Minister of the Ministry of Health-BARMM

Additionally, Program Manager for National Family Planning Dr. Hardy Dumawing joined the event on behalf of the Department of Health (DOH). The department emphasized that family planning, as a health intervention, is an essential component of Universal Health Care, the country's major health reform aimed at providing every Filipino with accessible and high-quality healthcare. 

Projects like the floating clinic help bring services up to the last mile, contributing to better health outcomes while advancing the country's efforts to achieve its sustainable development goals.

Part of a Bigger Mission

The floating clinic is the newest addition to DKT Philippines Foundation’s SODEX Program, which already provides free family planning services through partner healthcare facilities and the country’s first family planning mobile clinic.

With the addition of this floating clinic, DKT is expanding its reach even further, particularly to communities that may have limited access to healthcare facilities.

What also caught my attention is that DKT Philippines Foundation has been working in family planning and reproductive health since 1991, focusing on education, advocacy, partnerships, and access to reproductive health products and services.

Powered by TRUST, the Foundation reinvests proceeds from TRUST product sales into free family planning services and outreach programs for vulnerable, remote, and underserved communities.

"Every community faces different challenges in accessing healthcare, and our outreach programs are designed to respond to those realities. Our work goes beyond providing services-we continuously look for ways to deliver care that is more accessible, responsive, and sustainable for the communities we serve." ~Loida Almendares, Director of Programs of DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc.

Bringing Choice and Care Closer to Filipinos

For me, the launch of the Philippines’ first family planning floating clinic is a great example of how healthcare can be brought closer to the people—literally going beyond roads and traditional healthcare facilities to reach communities across the islands.

As the floating clinic begins its operations in September, I’m hoping this initiative will help more Filipinos access reliable information, professional consultations, and quality family planning services without having to travel long distances just to get the care they need.

At the heart of the project is informed choice—making sure Filipinos have access to the information, options, and healthcare services they need to make decisions about their reproductive health.

It’s a reminder that wherever you are in the Philippines, access to quality healthcare should never be limited by geography.

About DKT Philippines Foundation

Since 1991, DKT Philippines Foundation has been at the forefront of family planning and reproductive health advocacy in the Philippines. Powered by TRUST, the Foundation works with local govemment units and partners nationwide to promote responsible family planning and expand access to quality sexual and reproductive health services. Through education and access to modern contraceptive methods, DKT Philippines Foundation empowers individuals to make informed reproductive health choices.

Belmont Hotel Manila Celebrates Filipino Creativity with Hiraya: Beyond the Gallery

“As a fine art landscape photographer, this is my Hiraya. To have my own solo exhibit, to share and showcase the beautiful landscapes of the Philippines.” ~Brix Tan, Filipino Landscape Photographer 

The exhibition is the latest version of Hiraya, the hotel's platform for Filipino artists and creatives. Since its establishment, Hiraya has expanded the reach of Filipino art outside of traditional gallery settings by providing local artists with a venue to showcase their work and interact with new audiences. With Hiraya: Beyond the Gallery, the first solo exhibition of Filipino landscape photographer Brix Tan, Belmont Hotel Manila demonstrates its continued dedication to promoting Filipino creativity. The hotel offers guests and visitors an opportunity to view the natural beauty of the Philippines thru Tan's collection of fine art landscape photographs.

For Tan, the exhibition marks an important milestone in his photography journey.

The exhibition features the breathtaking fine art photography of Brix Tan, whose remarkable collection showcases some of the country's most spectacular destinations—from towering mountain ranges and rolling hills to pristine beaches, dramatic coastlines, hidden waterfalls, serene lakes, and remote islands. Each photograph felt like an invitation to travel, explore, and appreciate the natural wonders that make the Philippines one of the world's most beautiful archipelagos.

Tan's perspective on the Philippine landscape is provided by the collection, which includes photos from places like Batanes, Zambales, Mt. Pulag, Quezon, Batangas, Baler, Albay, and SOCCSKSARGEN.

Among the highlighted pieces are Tenacious, which portrays the wild coastline of Ivana, Batanes; Gatekeeper, which emphasizes the Sabtang Lighthouse and its connection to Ivatan heritage; and Generations, which uses Sarangani Bay mangroves to reflect on environmental responsibility and the future.

Tan's LUMIBOX Series, which presents a selection of photographs as illuminated fine art pieces, gives the exhibition an additional dimension by providing a distinctive viewpoint on the Philippine landscape.

What I loved most was how every image captured more than just a destination specially the breathtaking view of Batanes. Through Brix Tan's lens, every landscape tells a story of adventure, patience, and perfect timing. Landscape photography often requires waiting for the ideal sunrise, sunset, weather conditions, or even returning to the same location multiple times just to capture a single breathtaking frame. That dedication is evident in every masterpiece on display.

Tan, a prosperous businessman and HR executive, has developed his photographic abilities over the years and has won prizes in international competitions for landscape and cityscape photography. By combining technical composition with personal connection, he uses photography to tell stories about the places he visits.

His commitment to the arts extends beyond his own creations. Tan established Montage Art Collective in 2021 to give local painters, sculptors, and fine art photographers a platform to showcase their work.

This shared support of Filipino artists is at the heart of Hiraya. Belmont Hotel Manila continues to support local artists by allowing artistic collaborations and exhibitions, in addition to providing tourists, visitors, and the general public with an accessible way to learn about Filipino art.

By buying the featured artworks available for purchase in limited editions, collectors and art enthusiasts have the opportunity to obtain a few pieces from Tan's first solo exhibition. Some pieces, like those in the LUMIBOX Series.

Beyond the Gallery is more than just an art exhibition—it's a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a country blessed with extraordinary landscapes and talented artists who preserve these moments through their craft.

Congratulations to Belmont Hotel Manila for bringing this meaningful collaboration to life. If you're a lover of photography, travel, art, or simply the beauty of the Philippines, don't miss the opportunity to experience HIRAYA: Beyond the Gallery.

The exhibition is now open at The Lobby of Belmont Hotel Manila and will run until September 30, 2026.

Hiraya: Beyond the Gallery featuring Brix Tan is open for viewing at the hotel lobby until September 30, 2026.

The complete collection and artwork details are available through the digital catalogue at qrco.de/HirayaBeyondTheGallery.

For inquiries and purchases, guests may approach the hotel team during their visit.