Manila: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released approximately PHP10.377 billion to support the implementation of the Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) Program in Department of Health (DOH)-run and six pilot local government unit (LGU) hospitals.
According to Philippines News Agency, the release of the funds to the DOH aims to advance Universal Health Care and to ease the financial burden of hospitalization on Filipino families. The DBM announced in a statement that this substantial allocation is intended to address one of the most pressing concerns confronting families during illness and strengthen access to affordable and quality public health services nationwide.
The DBM outlined that around PHP9.377 billion of the funds will be used for the ZBB Program's implementation in DOH hospitals across the country. Specifically, PHP3.342 billion has been allocated to hospitals in Metro Manila, including the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, among others, as well as to specialized centers like the National Center for Mental Health and Philippine Orthopedic Center.
The remaining PHP6.035 billion is designated for the ZBB implementation in DOH regional hospitals and other government health facilities outside Metro Manila, expanding the program's reach to a wider patient base.
In a separate announcement, the DBM disclosed an additional PHP1 billion allocation for the ZBB Program in six pilot LGU hospitals located in Benguet, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Aklan, and Sarangani. This funding aims to extend government support to patients seeking treatment in their local communities.
The approved funding is sourced from the DOH budget under the 2026 General Appropriations Act. The ZBB Program is part of the government's efforts to advance Universal Health Care by ensuring eligible patients admitted to participating hospitals can receive covered health services without incurring significant hospital bills.
The DBM also mentioned that this latest funding is in addition to the PHP1.855 billion previously released to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), with PHP800 million specifically allocated for the ZBB implementation.
DBM Acting Secretary Kim Robert de Leon emphasized that the funding translates the government's health commitments into tangible benefits for patients and their families. He stated that no Filipino should have to choose between necessary medical care and the financial security of their family, highlighting the government's role in alleviating the burden of hospital expenses.
Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s leadership, this initiative represents a strategic allocation of public funds to make a significant impact on people's lives, according to de Leon.
