TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) — To bring preventive healthcare closer to Filipino families, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in Eastern Visayas has tapped government information officers and communicators to broaden the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), the agency’s expanded primary care benefit package.
During a recent YAKAP orientation for government communicators, PhilHealth-8 officials emphasized the crucial role of public information officers, state-run media bureaus, and local government communicators as “frontline partners in public service,” whose ability to reach and influence grassroots communities makes them indispensable to YAKAP’s success.
Henry S. Madula, head of PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office in Ormoc, emphasized the role of government communicators in ensuring that Filipinos, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups, are informed of their rights and entitlements under the government’s Universal Health Care Program.
“Our government communicators can help ensure that accurate, timely, and life-changing health information reaches even the most remote households,” Madula said.
The PhilHealth official explained that while YAKAP offers free consultations, basic laboratory tests, and access to essential medicines, many Filipinos remain unaware of these benefits. The information gap often leads to underutilization of services that could prevent more serious illnesses.
YAKAP, launched as the upgraded version of the Konsulta package, is designed to shift the national health system toward prevention rather than treatment. It expands access to medicines, consultations, and laboratory tests, with a renewed emphasis on preventive care and early detection.
The YAKAP lab tests include blood chemistry and urinalysis, and in select areas, screening tests for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers. Members also receive support for outpatient medicines under complementary programs.
To make the services even more accessible, YAKAP is integrated into the eGovPH app, allowing members to register and access their benefits digitally. Registration is also available through PhilHealth’s website, local offices, or at any accredited primary care provider.
PhilHealth emphasized that strengthening primary care is critical for reducing hospital admissions and improving overall population health.
Representatives from the Philippine Information Agency Region 8, public information officers, and members of the Association of Government Information Officers in Eastern Visayas (AGIO-8) expressed support for the dissemination of the program as it aligns with their mandate to deliver inclusive and community-centered information.
Lawyer Jonalyndie Chua, AGIO-8 president and DSWD-8 regional information officer, said the orientation was timely, equipping government communicators with the right information and sharing the agency’s campaign for universal health care.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. champions YAKAP as a key strategy for preventive healthcare by bringing healthcare services to communities to catch illnesses early and reduce hospitalizations, enhancing overall Filipino well-being. (ACR/PIA Leyte)
