MANILA — A transformative public-private partnership to put quality primary healthcare within reach of all Filipinos was sealed on October 1, 2026, as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Private Health Insurers (PHIs) nationwide. The unified initiative, carried out through the Yaman sa Kalusugan (YAKAP) Program, aligns with the goals of the Universal Health Care Law to expand affordable, comprehensive health services across the country.
The signing ceremony took place at the Podium Floor Conference Room, Department of Finance, Manila, led by PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Beverly Lorraine C. Ho, together with Finance Secretary and PhilHealth Board Member Frederick D. Go.
Under the YAKAP Program, PhilHealth guarantees a full spectrum of essential primary care benefits:
– General and specialized medical consultations
– 13 essential laboratory diagnostic tests
– Selected outpatient medicines under the GAMOT (Gamot at Serbisyo para sa Mamamayan) package
– Six critical cancer screening tests
– Specialized outpatient care: animal bite treatment, maternal health services, TB-DOTS, HIV/AIDS management, and mental health support
Private health insurers and HMOs will provide complementary coverage and expanded benefits, filling gaps and amplifying reach — ensuring seamless, continuous care from public to private providers.
In a message of support and commitment, Christian S. Argos, President and CEO of Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, affirmed the private sector’s resolve: “A healthy nation is the foundation of a progressive nation. This partnership proves that when public purpose meets private capacity, we can build a healthcare system that truly serves every Filipino — wherever they are, whatever their means.”
Delivering the closing remarks, Atty. Ermar U. Benitez, Officer-in-Charge of the Insurance Commission of the Philippines, emphasized the initiative’s lasting impact: “This is more than an agreement — it is a promise that no Filipino will stand alone when it comes to health. By bringing together the full strength of government and industry, we are building a healthcare system that is inclusive, sustainable, and truly for all.”
“The strength of a productive nation lies in a healthy workforce,” officials stated collectively. “By combining public and private strengths, we ensure no Filipino is left behind in accessing quality care — a decisive, collective step toward a healthier, more prosperous Philippines.”
