PhilHealth ensures 105 ex-NPA rebels’ access to medical care

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)--One hundred five former rebels of the New People's Army (NPA) in Valencia City are now members of PhilHealth after receiving their Member Data Records (MDRs) and ID cards.


Delio A. Aseron, regional vice president for PhilHealth Northern Mindanao, said government programs should be equitably delivered to every Filipino.

“You, our brothers and sisters—the former rebels—are our important guests here today. PhilHealth seeks to exemplify that we are one and equal,” he said during MDRs and ID cards distribution at Valencia City gymnasium, January 11.

Aseron explained that due to the rising healthcare costs, more people seem to be avoiding physicians’ care, checkups, and treatment. It’s not about fear of doctors he said, but more of a phobia about hospital bills and fees.

“It’s tough to be ill. Our inability to cover expenses will typically need the government’s financial support. The important thing is that PhilHealth has a program, so our former rebels no longer have to fear visiting the hospital. Though each disease has a varied cost, depending on recommended medical test or treatment, we are certain that we already have a co-payer,” he said.

PhilHealth-Bukidnon chief Romulo Lapuz Jr. said the government wants all Filipinos to become PhilHealth members.

Thus, he urged the remaining ex-NPA rebels who haven't signed up yet to come to their office so that PhilHealth could assist them in enrolling and becoming members.

Former NPA fighter Marestela Bitago thanked the PhilHealth-10 Team as she exuded joy with the government’s grant.

“Dili na mi karon mahadlok mag-adto sa doktor ug sa bisan asa nga hospital kay naa ang PhilHealth nga among kaabag. (PhilHealth is our partner, so we no longer feel reluctant about visiting the doctor or any hospital),” she said. (BGE/PIA 10-Bukidnon)

Delio A. Aseron III, (second from left) PhilHealth's regional vice president for Northern Mindanao, draws attention as he directs the distribution of MDRs and ID cards to 105 former NPA rebels in Valencia City, Bukidnon. He emphasizes the government's efforts and hard work to ensure that all Filipinos have access to healthcare and financial aid. (BGE/PIA 10-Bukidnon).


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bukidnon airport on track for 2025 opening, says CAAP official

Image
 by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA) — Bukidnon Airport in Maraymaray, Don Carlos town, is on track to open in 2025, according to Area Manager Engr. Job De Jesus of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in Northern Mindanao. De Jesus, speaking at the "Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas" forum on June 4, assured people of the project's timeline. He highlighted the airport's phased construction, ensuring meticulous planning and execution for each component. "We're targeting a 2025 opening for Bukidnon Airport," De Jesus said, citing the progress made across various phases. CAAP reports showed the airport can handle small turboprop aircraft next year and accommodate larger A320 jets by the third quarter of 2026. It will benefit about 1.5 million residents of Bukidnon and nearby provinces by providing better access to air travel and boosting local tourism and business. The P2.8 billion project, with an additional P320 million for anci
Read more

BUKTIA hosts TVET forum, TESDA tackles scholarship programs

Image
By: Jessa M. Cleopas MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has honored the Bukidnon Technical-Vocational Institutions Association (BUKTIA) for hosting the forum that serves as a channel for disseminating information and updates related to technical-vocational education training (TVET) programs, scholarships, job opportunities, and industry demands. TESDA-10 Regional Director Dan M. Navarro said the forum aims to raise awareness of the crucial role of TVET and encourage schools to enhance the quality of technical-vocational education, maintaining connections with industry partners, employers, and stakeholders, facilitating strong collaboration between TVET institutions and the labor market. "We gather here today to emphasize the importance of our partnerships as we are entrusted with the responsibility to oversee TESDA, administer the program, and deliver training and education to multiple batches each year," Navarro explained
Read more

DOLE, ChildFund Phils vow to eradicate child labor in Bukidon

Image
MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--Bukidnon, an agricultural province with the highest incidence of child labor, is taking strong measures to combat and eliminate child labor. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that in 2021 the number of working children in the country engaged in child labor was estimated at around 935,000. Fifteen in every 100 child laborers were in Northern Mindanao. The agriculture sector reported the highest proportion of working children registering 45.7 percent in 2021. In line with its commitment to safeguarding children's rights and protecting them from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation, discrimination, and other detrimental conditions affecting their growth, the Department of Labor and Employment-Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (DOLE-10 Buk PFO), headed by Provincial Director Raul L. Valmores, recently participated in the project launch of ChildFund Philippines at Ritz Hotel in Davao City. The project, titled "Building Capacities of Civil Soc
Read more