PhilHealth PRO NCR and Rizal Vice President Dr. Bernadette C. Lico (1L) presents the “Partner UHC Advocate” award to the representatives of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) led by PIA NCR Regional Director Emver P. Cortez (2L) during the 2024 PhilHealth PULSE. (Photo by: PIA-NCR)
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) recognized the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) as a “Partner UHC Advocate” for keeping the Filipinos informed about Universal Health Care (UHC) programs, especially the grassroots communities.
“This recognition reflects not just our work, but the collective effort of countless individuals committed to ensuring universal healthcare access for all Filipinos,” said PIA National Capital Region (NCR) Regional Director Emver P. Cortez who received the award on behalf of the agency.
PhilHealth Regional Office NCR also recognized the chief of PIA NCR as the “Advocate of the Year” for actively aiding in the promotion of preventive health by championing the primary care services under the Konsulta program.
“Our mission at PIA-NCR has always been to bridge the information gap between government services and our communities,” Cortez added, noting that when people understand their healthcare rights and options, they are empowered to make better decisions for themselves and their families.
The initiative of PhilHeath to recognize health partners and stakeholders who contributed to the advancement of UHC took shape during the conduct of the 2024 “Promoting UHC through Linkages, Synergy, and Engagement” program held on November 20, 2024.
“Looking ahead, our PULSE program should amplify the gains [of UHC programs] by fostering stronger partnerships with healthcare providers, local government leaders, and other stakeholders,” said PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr., citing the critical role of information to the improvement of healthcare access.
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2024 PhilHealth PULSE champions advocates for Universal Health Care
PCEO Ledesma particularly underscored the gains of the Konsulta program as a pillar of a transformative healthcare landscape that enables Filipinos to take charge of their health.
“The Konsulta has shown the importance of innovative approaches, the power of collective action, and the profound impact of a healthcare system that puts people first,” he added.
It can be recalled that the partnership between PhilHealth and PIA started when its NCR offices signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the rollout of the Konsulta program in 2023.
PIA NCR has also collaborated with PRO NCR in bringing preventive health services to vulnerable groups, including the members of the LGBTQIA+ community, persons with disabilities (PWDs), mental health patients, and cancer patients, among others.
PRO NCR and Rizal Vice President Dr. Bernadette C. Lico has reaffirmed the commitment of PhilHealth in expanding the network of support for UHC programs towards ensuring that no Filipino will be left behind in the aspect of healthcare.
“Our commitment to improving the health and well-being of the people in the NCR and Rizal region remains unwavering, and we are dedicated to making universal healthcare a reality for all,” Lico stressed.
PIA NCR, for its part, remains committed to ensure that no Filipino will be left uninformed about their healthcare options towards building a healthier nation. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
