College teacher in Surigao Sur benefits from PhilHealth’s YAKAP program
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY (PIA) — “Ramdam ko ang YAKAP,” Alma “Maya” Cornelio, a college instructor from Tandag City. Surigao del Sur, expressed gratitude, which she meant ‘I felt the program on YAKAP,’ for the efficient and enhanced free medical services from PhilHealth.
Yaman ng Kalusugan para Malayo sa Sakit (YAKAP), PhilHealth’s Konsulta Package now rebranded and integrated into the YAKAP Program, is a flagship government health initiative recently highlighted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Earlier this month, Cornelio underwent laboratory tests and obtained prescription medicines at the Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC) in Tandag City.
An expanded program for more accessible, preventive healthcare
YAKAP seeks to bring quality healthcare closer to every Filipino, particularly in underserved communities. It offers free consultations, laboratory tests, and medicines through accredited public health facilities, aiming to reduce hospitalizations through preventive care and early disease detection.
“Mabibigyan sila ng libreng medical checkup, libreng lab test tulad ng cancer screening, at libre na gamot (They will receive free medical checkup, including laboratory tests like cancer screening and medicine,” Pres. Marcos Jr. said in this year’s SONA, emphasizing the program’s benefits for the people.
The program prioritizes government employees, educators, and students, sectors whose health directly impacts public service and nation-building.
Seamless health service experience
Cornelio’s journey was simple and hassle-free. Using her PhilHealth’s identification number, she registered via the PhilHealth Member Portal and consulted a physician at the ASTMMC-BUCAS (Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services) facility.
She then underwent the required diagnostic tests within the same hospital. Her prescribed medicines were claimed from an ASTMMC-accredited pharmacy through the Gamot app, an online platform that streamlines the medicine availment process.
Under the program, qualified members may receive up to P20,000 worth of free medicines annually, along with free consultations and laboratory services. Prescriptions can be redeemed from accredited pharmacies displaying the YAKAP-GAMOT signage, where beneficiaries receive a GAMOT Availment Slip as proof of entitlement.
“All steps, from consultation to diagnostics to medicine claiming, were done within ASTMMC. Everything was smooth, free, and convenient,” Cornelio said.
Bridging Universal Health Care and YAKAP
According to the PhilHealth Tandag City Branch, ASTMMC’s services reflect the UHC law in action through the YAKAP program which will expand further in 2025 to address long-standing gaps in primary care.
Under the package, members are entitled to:
– Free consultations with accredited doctors;
– Routine laboratory tests such as urinalysis, fecalysis, blood sugar, cholesterol, and ECG;
– Maintenance medicines for common conditions like hypertension, asthma, and diabetes;
– Health risk screenings for cardiovascular and lifestyle-related diseases;
– Electronic health records for continuous care and data tracking;
While the YAKAP program is still rolling out nationwide, facilities like ASTMMC already provide comprehensive UHC-based services, making healthcare more accessible and efficient for the public.
A teacher’s gratitude
Now back in the classroom, Cornelio expressed her appreciation, saying, “Bilang isang guro, mahalaga na maaalagaan natin ang pangangatawan para magampanan ang tungkulin sa estudyante. Malaking bagay itong YAKAP. Salamat sa gobyerno. (As a teacher, it is important that we take care of our health in order to fulfill our duties to the students. This program means a lot. Thank you to the government).”
Implemented by PhilHealth in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and a network of accredited clinics and pharmacies, the YAKAP Program continues to expand nationwide, fulfilling the government’s promise of accessible, inclusive, and preventive healthcare for every Filipino. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)