Annual consultation keeps members active in YAKAP, says PhilHealth
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Annual checkups will keep PhilHealth members active in the YAKAP database, and they continue to enjoy the primary and preventive healthcare services under the program.
Doctor Pinky B. Espelimbergo, benefit and administration head of PhilHealth Caraga, made the statement following a media inquiry about the termination or discontinuation of availment of the program during the Kapihan sa PIA on February 12 at SM City Butuan.
Doctor Espelimbergo shared that the Yaman sa Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) requires first patient encounter and annual consultation to keep the member active in the program’s list. “After the first patient encounter, the YAKAP system will remove the member if one fails to visit any YAKAP-accredited clinic and health facility for annual consultation.”
“As a primary and preventive healthcare initiative, YAKAP promotes annual consultation para malayo sa sakit (to keep one away from illnesses),” she said. “Maski wala tay gibati, ug para makalikay pod ta sa mga sakit, naa tay YAKAP so magpalista ta ug magpakonsulta (Even if we are not sick and to avoid getting sick, we have YAKAP so register now and have yourself checked).”
Accordingly, YAKAP is a program of the government designed to help Filipinos prioritize their health and protect them from getting sick. It offers primary care checkup, laboratory, medicine and screening.
She explained that the state health insurer rebranded the program from Konsulta to YAKAP. “YAKAP is a more improved and enhanced primary care benefit program. We have a better system and we streamlined the process.”
Also, PhilHealth Caraga Regional Vice President Michael Jibson C. Hernandez, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding access to health services, emphasizing that PhilHealth programs must be felt by all Filipinos. “Palawakin para maramdaman ng lahat ng Pilipino ang serbisyo ng PhilHealth (Expand the services of PhilHealth to benefit all Filipinos).”
He announced that the PhilHealth YAKAP has significantly expanded in the Caraga region, now with over 120 accredited YAKAP service providers delivering inclusive, responsive and accessible essential health services to the members.
As of January 31, 2026, there are 32 YAKAP service providers in Agusan del Norte, including Butuan City; 23 in Agusan del Sur; 34 in the province of Surigao del Norte; 32 in Surigao del Sur, while six in the Province of Dinagat Islands.
Meanwhile, on its 31st Anniversary celebration, PhilHealth Caraga has sustained its partnership with the Philippine Information Agency through the Kapihan sa PIA as a significant and effective platform to engage the media and inform the public that ‘PhilHealth @31, Ka-YAKAP ang Pilipino sa Kalusugang Segurado.’ (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)
