Over 500 Agusan parolees, probationers register to PhilHealth’s YAKAP
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — More than 500 probationers and parolees were registered to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) during the launch of the digital attendance system for probationers and parolees on July 14.
The Parole and Probation Office (PPO) in Agusan del Sur organized the activity at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Department of Justice–Parole and Probation Administration (DOJ-PPA).
Lovella Casas-Libertad, regional officer-in-charge of the DOJ-PPA Caraga, shared the agency’s initiative to provide easier access to government services for probationers and parolees.
“Since we are celebrating our 50th Anniversary, this is our gift to them [parolees and probationers]. Instead of going to PhilHealth, we brought PhilHealth closer to them,” she said.
“This is one of their needs. We want to provide them with the services they need most. In the future, we will also collaborate with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), together with other government agencies,” she added.
Zandro Etic, chief social insurance officer of PhilHealth, shared the agency’s goal of expanding access to health insurance benefits for all qualified beneficiaries.
“This is one of the goals of PhilHealth—to bring our services closer to our beneficiaries. We are happy because, through the collaboration with the PPA, parolees and probationers were encouraged to register and avail themselves of the benefits under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) para malayo sa sakit,” he said.
A probationer, identified only by the alias Elsa, expressed her gratitude after successfully registering for the YAKAP.
“I am so happy because, at sixty years old, this is the first time I have been able to register for PhilHealth. I am glad that there is a program like this for us to benefit from,” she said.
Through Attorney Janssen Michael Albienda, executive assistant IV, the provincial government of Agusan del Sur reaffirmed its support for probationers and parolees as they rebuild their lives.
“We stand with you on your journey toward a life of dignity, purpose, and opportunity,” he said.
The initiative forms part of the government’s commitment to provide social protection and ensure that probationers and parolees receive essential health services that support their rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.
The activity also underscores the DOJ-PPA’s commitment to innovation and holistic rehabilitation as it celebrates five decades of promoting restorative justice and community-based corrections in the country. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)
