CARIGARA, Leyte — In a major push for universal healthcare, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) partnered with the Eastern Visayas State University-Carigara Campus (EVSU-CC) to host the YAKAP “Yaman ng Kalusugan Program” Caravan at the EVSU-CC Mini Gymnasium on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The event served as a comprehensive service hub and information drive designed to bridge the gap between government health benefits and the community. By bringing the YAKAP program—an expanded primary care initiative—directly to students, faculty, and local residents, PhilHealth highlighted a significant national shift toward preventive healthcare.
The event was facilitated by Dr. Mary Angelie Salvacion, Cashier II, and the initiative was bolstered by the full support of University President Dr. Dennis C. de Paz and the EVSU-CC Campus Director Dr. Renato E. Martija, whose collaboration underscored the vital role of academic institutions in promoting community wellness. Key PhilHealth officials led the orientation, including Maria Eva E. Aguilon, Head of the Naval Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO); Acislo B. Militante Jr., FOD Chief of Regional Office VIII; and Henry S. Madula, Head of the Ormoc LHIO. They were joined by medical experts and local leaders, such as Barugo Mayor Dr. Aron Balais and Dr. Lourdes A. Calzeta of the Barugo Municipal Health Office, who discussed the long-term advantages of YAKAP membership.
The caravan featured an extensive lineup of accredited clinic providers and pharmacies, allowing participants to consult with professionals and learn about medicine availability on-site. Participating facilities included BALAIS Doctor’s Infirmary & Pharmacy, Divine Rays Family Health Care Center, and HappyDoc Multispecialty OPC, alongside the Municipal Health Offices of Capoocan and Carigara. Pharmacy partners RXK & I and DISPO Pharmacy were also present to facilitate the “GAMOT” component of the program, which provides access to 21 essential medicines.
Under the 2026 YAKAP guidelines, the caravan focused on educating the public about expanded primary care services, such as free regular consultations for early disease detection, diagnostic services including laboratory tests and X-rays, and targeted cancer screenings. PhilHealth representatives emphasized that the program is designed to keep Filipinos healthy and out of hospitals by prioritizing “primary care” over “sick care.” By bringing these providers under one roof, the agency aimed to make healthcare more tangible and accessible for the people of Carigara.
To ensure immediate impact, the activity included on-site registration for new members, updating of Member Data Records (MDRs), and the issuance of PhilHealth IDs. This streamlined approach ensured that attendees left the gymnasium not only more informed about their national benefit packages but also fully integrated into the national health system. Through this collaborative effort, PhilHealth and EVSU-CC reinforced the mission of ensuring that no Filipino is left behind when it comes to fundamental health rights.
