More than 250 workers in Palawan were among the first to benefit from the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), launched in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) MIMAROPA on September 16.
The launch in Puerto Princesa City assisted 253 workers, including tricycle drivers, janitors, security guards, and salespersons, who underwent their first patient encounters with accredited YAKAP clinics such as Ospital ng Palawan, Adventist Hospital Palawan, Pointe Victoria Medicale and the Puerto Princesa City Health Office.
Under the program, up to ₱20,000 worth of medicines annually will be accorded to the beneficiaries through the Annual Benefit Limit.
“YAKAP introduces a new layer of cooperation, aimed at reaching workers in both the formal and informal sectors,” said PhilHealth Social Insurance Officer Ma. Neresa Reganit.
DOLE MIMAROPA Regional Director Naomi Lyn Abellana urged workers to make the most of the program.
“Working hard is not enough for our people…they deserve real health protection too,” she said.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) guided participants on registering through the eGov app, while DOLE staff oriented them on Occupational Safety and Health Standards.
PhilHealth officials reminded members to prioritize preventive care.
“Don’t hesitate to reach out to medical professionals [or] at PhilHealth. We focus on keeping you well before illness strikes…catching health issues early means you can take action right away,” Reganit said.
