CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — In a simple turnover ceremony held at the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), February 10, outgoing President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. formally handed over leadership to incoming chief Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, symbolizing a smooth transition of leadership at the state health insurer.
Mercado was sworn into office by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace, February 4.
With 35 years of experience in hospital management and a background in strategic planning, financial management, and primary care programs, he now leads PhilHealth towards achieving its mission of providing accessible, quality healthcare for all Filipinos.
“Tayo po ay tumutugon sa direktiba ng ating mahal na Presidente Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., at ito ay siguruhing tuluy-tuloy ang ating serbisyo at palalawigin pa ang mga benepisyo,” Mercado said in his first address to all PhilHealth employees in a corporate-wide flag ceremony.
(We are responding to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., and we will ensure that our services are continuous and that our benefit packages will be expanded even more.)
Mercado also vowed to further lower out-of-pocket medical costs for patients down to as much as 25 percent from the current 45-47 percent. “Itutuloy natin ang pagpapalawak at pagpapabuti ng ating mga benepisyo upang lalo itong madama ng mga Pilipino sa tuwing sila ay magpapagamot sa ospital,” he said.
(We will continue to expand and improve our benefits so more Filipinos are able to feel these enhancements when they seek medical assistance in our hospitals.)
According to Mercado, obtaining correct and relevant data is paramount to the agency’s goal of achieving accessible and affordable healthcare, as these will be the bases for future enhancements of its benefit packages.
Also among the new PhilHealth chief’s priority thrusts are digitalization to enhance member experience, strengthened engagement with its stakeholders, and the refinement of its operational processes.
With the help and support of the 9,000 strong employees, Mercado vowed to announce good news to the public, “We will strive na every 30 days po ay may ibabahagi tayong magandang balita (para sa mga miyembro),” said Mercado. (GDA/PIA-10)
