The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Deputy House Speaker and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez have joined forces to accelerate the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Program in Bacolod City.
Marjorie A. Cabrieto, Regional Vice President of PhilHealth Regional Office VI, met with Benitez on Monday, June 30, to map out strategic initiatives aimed at expanding healthcare access for all Bacolodnons.
A major breakthrough of the discussion was a shared commitment to pursue the accreditation of 18 Barangay Health Stations as functional YAKAP Clinics.
This expansion is designed to bring primary healthcare directly to the grassroots level, ensuring that medical check-ups, diagnostic services, and essential medicines are readily available within local communities, a PhilHealth Region IV statement said.
During the briefing, PhilHealth officials presented an update on the city’s current PhilHealth membership status and the progress of local YAKAP registrations.
To bridge existing gaps, both parties agreed to launch targeted congressional caravans and aggressive registration drives, PhilHealth said.
“PhilHealth remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the Office of Congressman Benitez in ensuring that every Bacolodnon has access to accessible, quality, and responsive healthcare services,” it added.
The meeting was also attended by Dennis Guevara, Legal Officer of PhilHealth Regional Office VI, and Edgar N. Yocariza, Head of the Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO) Bacolod.
The boosted collaboration is expected to significantly ease out-of-pocket medical expenses for Bacolod residents while establishing a more robust preventive healthcare network across the city’s barangays, PhilHealth said.*
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