Legazpi: More than 300 residents and students benefited from healthcare services during the "YAKAP na Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Pangkalusugan, Proteksiyong Pangkalahatan" held at the Legazpi City National High School Covered Court in Rawis on Monday. The activity was part of a nationwide initiative, which brings PhilHealth services closer to communities through school- and community-based platforms.
According to Philippines News Agency, PhilHealth Regional Vice President for Bicol, Alberto Manduriao, emphasized in his opening message that the YAKAP initiative supports efforts to strengthen access to primary healthcare under Universal Health Care. He highlighted that PhilHealth Bicol paid PHP5.46 billion to accredited healthcare facilities during the first half of 2026, covering more than 415,000 claims. Manduriao noted the importance of bringing healthcare services closer to communities, as some Filipinos tend to delay consultations due to concerns over treatment costs.
Manduriao elaborated that YAKAP members who register with accredited YAKAP facilities can avail themselves of services such as consultations, laboratory tests, X-rays, and medicines for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma. He added that patients requiring cancer screening might be referred to accredited facilities, while those diagnosed with illnesses like dengue may be referred to government or private hospitals for further treatment and applicable PhilHealth hospital benefits. These services are provided without payment from members, with PhilHealth compensating accredited YAKAP clinics for the services rendered.
Bernard Cruz, a teacher at Legazpi City National High School and a PhilHealth YAKAP member, expressed that the program makes healthcare more accessible, especially to those with limited time and financial resources. "This is a big help because the consultation is free, especially now that life is difficult. It is a significant assistance to people like me who do not have a considerable salary and have to prioritize food and medicine," Cruz stated. He attended the event to avail himself of a free consultation and plans to use the program's free checkup and medicine services, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare for families facing financial difficulties.
Meanwhile, Russel Jay Astor, a student at Legazpi City National High School, shared that the activity educated students about YAKAP and the healthcare services available to them. "Thank you very much to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for this program because it can help every student, not only their parents but also students like us. We can learn about the YAKAP program and avail ourselves of different health services," Astor remarked.
