PhilHealth Caraga disburses over P5.28B in 2025 for facilities, health claims
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Caraga released a total of P5.28 billion to health care facilities in Caraga, covering 403,950 claims for the entire January to December 2025 period, reflecting the agency’s sustained support to both patients and partner hospitals across the region.
PhilHealth has also strengthened health security in the region after disbursing P723.63 million to accredited health care facilities for 53,107 claims paid from January 1 to 31, 2026, ensuring financial coverage for Caraganons during hospitalization and benefits under the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP).
These accomplishments were highlighted during the launch of PhilHealth’s 31st anniversary, with the theme “Ka-YAKAP ang Pilipino sa Kalusugang Segurado,” which also featured the signing of a Pledge of Commitment, reaffirming the agency’s dedication to providing accessible, reliable, and compassionate healthcare for every Filipino.
PhilHealth Caraga Regional Vice President Michael Jibson C. Hernandez said the anniversary celebration goes beyond a milestone, emphasizing its role in strengthening collaboration toward universal health care.
“This celebration is not only a milestone for PhilHealth but a reaffirmation of our collective vow to provide accessible, reliable, and compassionate healthcare to every Filipino. The presence of our partner institutions highlights that collaboration remains the foundation of our mission to ensure health security and protection for our people,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez also urged stakeholders to take pride in the agency’s performance in 2025, noting that PhilHealth’s accomplishments reflect the strength of collective action.
“Our achievements in 2025 are a testament to PhilHealth Caraga’s resilience and a clear demonstration that when we work together, we can turn aspirations into reality. As we mark our 31st year, we call on our partners to remain steadfast in our shared mission to safeguard the health and well-being of the Filipino people,” he added.
As part of its workforce-focused initiatives, PhilHealth Caraga also announced that 18,993 workers from 23 large establishments in the region are now covered under the PhilHealth YAKAP Program, through the joint efforts of DOLE Caraga and PhilHealth. The program provides free essential medicines, laboratory tests, preventive screenings, primary care consultations, cancer screenings, and convenient digital access via the eGovPH app.
Meanwhile, Butuan City Mayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun lauded PhilHealth Caraga for its readiness in assisting clients and underscored the impact of increased collections on local health services, particularly at the Butuan Medical Center (BMC).
“The increased PhilHealth collections have significantly strengthened the operations of the Butuan Medical Center, resulting in improved health service delivery for our constituents. These gains allowed us to adopt more efficient strategies, improve prioritization, and acquire new medical equipment,” Fortun said.
The mayor added that PhilHealth programs remain vital to hospital operations and reaffirmed the city government’s commitment to sustained partnership with the agency.
“We remain committed to working closely with PhilHealth and supporting its programs. We thank PhilHealth Caraga for its continued assistance to Butuan City and our people,” Fortun said.
PhilHealth Caraga reiterated that prioritizing the welfare of workers and ensuring financial risk protection for families remain central to its mandate, as it continues to advance universal health care and strengthen health systems across the region. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
