SODEX Floating Clinic Sails to Hard-to-Reach Communities in BARMM

DKT Philippines Foundation’s “Hiraya,” the country’s first family planning floating clinic, began its first service day on October 1.

For many families in the island and riverine communities of the Bangsamoro region, the nearest health facility is a long boat ride away. The SODEX Floating Clinic, named “Hiraya” (dream or aspiration), is built to change that by bringing free family planning services to them by water.

Launched in August 2026 under the Service Outreach and Distribution Extension (SODEX) Program of DKT Philippines Foundation, Hiraya is a partnership with the Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The vessel was unveiled at its builder, BangkaPro, in Taguig City, and held its first service day on October 1.

Services, offered for free

IUD insertion
Two-rod implant insertion
Consultations and counseling
Pills, injectables, and condoms

Hiraya will serve communities in Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur.

Why it matters

The Philippines’ total fertility rate has fallen to 1.7 children per woman, the lowest on record, according to the 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey. Family planning remains essential, however, as a health intervention. Dr. Hardy Dumawing, program manager of the DOH National Family Planning Program, said it is now about reducing maternal deaths and adolescent births, not controlling population.

The numbers show why. The Philippines recorded 84 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, an improvement from 117 in 2010 but still above the Sustainable Development Goal target of 70 by 2030. Dumawing noted that the country’s geography, with many islands that are hard to reach, makes it difficult to deliver services and supplies where they are needed most. Hiraya is meant to close that gap.

“By bridging the gaps in access to quality, affordable, and culturally sensitive family planning services, [the floating clinic] will empower women, couples, and families in hard-to-reach communities to make informed choices about their reproductive health,” said Dr. Ahmad-Fawadz Israel, director general of the BARMM Ministry of Health, who spoke on behalf of Minister Dr. Kadil “Jojo” Sinolinding Jr.

Israel added that the initiative also supports efforts to address misinformation and cultural barriers and to reduce teenage and unintended pregnancies.

Choice-based care

Denise van Dijk, board chair of DKT Philippines Foundation and president of DKT Health Inc., said the Foundation has spent more than three decades removing barriers to family planning through innovation and strong partnerships. Hiraya follows a choice-based approach, in which clients are educated on their options and decide which method suits them best.

“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,” said Loida Almendares, the Foundation’s Director of Programs.

At the christening, van Dijk offered a blessing for the vessel: “May there be calm waters, meaningful journeys, and many, many lives touched.”