PhilHealth showcases 2025 gains, expands benefits
By Mary Joy Cavañas
Continuously thriving in the field of health care and for the welfare of Filipinos, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Regional Office VI highlighted its 2025 program accomplishments during its “Media and Forum Pasasalamat” held at Sam’s 21 Hotel in Mandurriao, Iloilo City on November 18, 2025.
This year’s gathering was spearheaded by PhilHealth RO6 representatives, including Acting Regional Vice President Lazaro Tabsing, Medical Specialist III Dr. Amalia J. Fernandez, Public Affairs Unit Head Janimhe Jalbuna, and Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO) Iloilo Head Vicel Bracamonte.
During the event, PhilHealth’s representatives highlighted the achievements in terms of their services and benefit packages, such as YAKAP Package, Outpatient benefits, Z-Benefits, Inpatient Benefits, and other medical packages.
YAKAP PACKAGE
Based on operational reports presented by PhilHealth RO6 Public Affairs Unit Head Janimhe Jalbuna, members and dependents registered in PhilHealth have reached a total of 7.7 million which is equivalent to 95.25% within the region, while Iloilo solely has 2.5 million registered members and dependents, equivalent to 96.69%. Also, PhilHealth’s various services have reached a client satisfaction of 99.31% within the region as of October 31, 2025.
Jalbuna also encouraged those who haven’t registered yet in PhilHealth to register by visiting its nearest offices.
As of October 31, 2025, 36.50% of Region VI population is registered to YAKAP, while 93.49% equivalent to over 2 million out of the CY 2025 target are registered to the said package. Once registered, members will be able to have access to the said benefit package.
“In terms of our target, PhilHealth is already high but still we want everyone to register for the YAKAP Package,” said Jalbuna.
First patient encounter (FPE)—conducted by the primary workers, such as physicians, nurses, and midwives—for the members and dependents who availed YAKAP Package has already reached over 700,000 which is equivalent to 56.28% out of the target number in the region.
“The challenge in terms of FPE is that it is easy to register, but the visitation to our providers have challenges. While in the part of PhilHealth, we’ve been doing a series of caravans, Alaga Ka activities, we sometimes bring our YAKAP Providers to make sure that after the event, we will have at least members to avail FPE,” Jalbuna cited.
The YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) Package, is a flagship program of PhilHealth which offers affordable and accessible primary healthcare services.
As this healthcare package focuses on prevention, early detection of health conditions, and reducing out-of-pocket expenses, Jalbuna emphasized that YAKAP will be able to reduce inpatient treatment and prevent diseases or common health conditions to get worse.
This can also be availed at accredited YAKAP providers in public and private clinics, hospitals, and medical centers.
In terms of claims, the turn-around time (TAT) is around 27 days. Jalbuna highlighted that PhilHealth is making sure to pay good claims, stating that requirements must qualify into the implemented standards, in order to not be marked as RTH (return to hospital) and denied.
The top paid procedures under the YAKAP as of October 31, 2025 are the following: hemodialysis, newborn care, obstetric services, chemotherapy, and HIV/AIDS treatment, while common illnesses covered are pneumonia, gastroenteritis, hypertension, dengue, and stroke.
Jalbuna also reminded the patients to seek early consultation and laboratory tests in their respective YAKAP accredited hospitals and clinics to prevent their conditions of having more complications. If the dependents will use the YAKAP program, they may need to use their respective Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) to avail of their claims.
Under the PhilHealth YAKAP program, benefits and services are available for free at accredited YAKAP Clinics, but private accredited YAKAP Clinics may charge up to ₱900 per patient for an annual registration. Additionally, each beneficiary can avail medicines worth up to ₱20,000 per year from accredited pharmacies.
Currently, PhilHealth Regional Office 6 has 210 YAKAP accredited providers across the region wherein 50 are in Iloilo Province, and 16 are located in Iloilo City.
Fernandez announced major reforms, including the lifting of the Single Period of Confinement Rule and the 45-Day Benefit Limit, giving patients more flexibility in claiming benefits. A 50% increase in benefit rates was also implemented this year, raising reimbursements for conditions such as pneumonia, stroke, hypertension, and cancer surgeries.
Expanded outpatient packages now cover mental health services, oral health, optometric care, cataract extraction, and severe acute malnutrition treatment. Z-Benefits continue to support costly procedures like kidney transplants, open-heart surgeries, and cancer therapies.
PhilHealth urged members to register with nearby primary healthcare providers to ensure timely access to services.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth RO6 also encourages its members to register with a primary healthcare provider which is particularly in close proximity and accessible in times of their healthcare needs.
