By Michelle Ducut
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in Bicol (PhilHealth-5) honored stakeholders who have made significant contributions to the implementation of the National Health Insurance Program in the region.
The recognition ceremony, held on Monday at The Marison Hotel, was an opportunity for PhilHealth Regional Vice President Alberto Mandurio to express gratitude to the partners for their invaluable support in fulfilling the corporation’s mandate to provide social health insurance services to all Filipinos.
“Today’s convergence brings us closer to realizing the goal of the Universal Health Care Act for our fellow Bicolanos,” Mandurio said. “The theme for this year demonstrates our commitment to expanding the benefits, making them more relevant and responsive to the needs of Filipinos.”
The awards recognized several organizations and individuals for their exceptional contributions. Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation, Filminera Resources Corporation, and Ateneo De Naga University received the Top Performing Employer Awards in the private sector. The Department of Education-Division Sorsogon and Masbate, the Department of Health, the Provincial Government of Masbate, and the City Government of Masbate were named Top Performing Employers in the government sector.
Top-performing konsulta providers included Josefina Belmonte Duran, Albay Provincial Hospital, Rural Health Units in Daet and Labo (Camarines Norte), Bulan and Pilar (Sorsogon), Placer (Masbate), and Health Offices in Masbate, Naga, and Iriga.
The Partner in Service Excellence Awards were given to media partners such as Idol News FM, Care DWAY, Radyo Pilipinas, the Philippine Information Agency, and the Philippine News Agency.
In addition, PhilHealth honored UHC champions Sorsogon Governor Jose Edwin Hamor, Camarines Norte Governor Ricarte Padilla, Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua, Labo Mayor Severino Francisco Jr., and Tabaco City Mayor Cielo Krisel Lagman for their efforts in promoting universal healthcare in their respective regions.
Mandurio also encouraged all PhilHealth members in the region to register with their Konsulta providers to take full advantage of the additional healthcare benefits available.