Around 300 residents of Barangay Tambobong in Marilog District gained access to free medical services as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), in collaboration with the PPP Partylist, rolled out its YAKAP Program (Yaman, Kalusugan, at Pag-asa) in the remote community.
According to Sheila May Bernades, Administrative Aide VI of PhilHealth, the YAKAP initiative seeks to promote preventive healthcare among Filipinos.
“Ang tumong gyud sa YAKAP mao nga dili na nato hulaton pa nga magkasakit. Pwede na silang magpa-check-up daan. Prevention is always better than cure,” Bernades said.
For many residents, the program marks the first time they can easily avail themselves of basic health services without traveling long distances.
Jonalyn Sikuntula, a young mother, shared that she used to depend solely on traditional remedies whenever her family got sick.
“Karon, pwede nami moadto sa YAKAP-accredited centers para magpacheck-up,” she said.
Barangay officials also expressed appreciation for the initiative. Kagawad Marylyn Bayok thanked PhilHealth and PPP Partylist for bringing the services directly to their community.
“Pasalamat mi nga bisan layo among barangay, giduol gyud ang serbisyo sa PhilHealth pinaagi sa PPP Partylist,” Bayok said.
PPP Partylist Representative Harold Duterte emphasized that the YAKAP Program embodies their advocacy for inclusive and accessible public service.
“Naga-represent ta sa mga mananagat, pero dili pasabot para sa ila ra ang atong tabang. Tatak Duterte kini nga serbisyo — para sa tanan, walay pili. Kung lisod sila moadto sa dakbayan, kita mismo ang modala sa serbisyo sa ilang balay,” he said.
Bernades added that through the YAKAP Program, PhilHealth and PPP Partylist aim to reach more underserved areas, ensuring that quality healthcare becomes a right enjoyed by every Filipino.
“Padayon among paningkamot nga walay mabiyaan sa serbisyo sa kalusugan,” she said.
