BALER, Aurora (PIA) — About 150 Indigenous Peoples and senior citizens in Barangay Borlongan, Dipaculao, Aurora gained easier access to health coverage through a community outreach of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
This activity supports the Marcos administration’s Universal Health Care program by expanding access to health services in geographically isolated and underserved communities.
PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office Baler Chief Social Insurance Officer Anabelle Imana said the outreach spared residents from traveling to town centers to process PhilHealth concerns.
“Access to PhilHealth services is important because it allows members to avail themselves of healthcare benefits, financial assistance, and primary care services, especially for those managing chronic diseases and other long-term medical conditions,” she emphasized.
During the activity, PhilHealth personnel assisted residents with member registration, record correction, and orientation on available healthcare benefits and services.
Beneficiaries also received orientation on the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program or YAKAP, including guidance on selecting their preferred accredited primary care providers.
Imana shared that similar outreach activities will continue to strengthen access to health services in geographically isolated and underserved communities.
“Outreach caravans like this give residents direct access to accurate information about PhilHealth programs and services, helping them better understand and avail themselves of available healthcare benefits,” she furthered.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also joined the activity to bring civil registration and identification services closer to the community.
PSA services included registration and amendment of records, identification card printing, and Philippine Identification System registration and data capture for residents.
Through initiatives like this, PhilHealth continues to extend services to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in Aurora, strengthening access to healthcare among vulnerable communities. (By Michael A. Taroma)
