PhilHealth launches YAKAP in Bohol, 

trengthens health care partnerships 

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Region 7 officially launched the enhanced primary care package, Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), on Sept. 16, 2025, in Tagbilaran City. 

In her opening message, PhilHealth 7 Vice President Marjorie A. Cabrieto highlighted the significance of YAKAP, which means “embrace.” 

“YAKAP symbolizes care, compassion, and protection — reaffirming PhilHealth’s commitment to ensure no Filipino is left behind when it comes to health care,” Cabrieto said. 

She called for stronger partnerships and explained that YAKAP goes beyond primary care services. 

“It is about reassuring every mother, father, and child that in times of need, they are not alone — because PhilHealth is here to embrace them,” she added. 

The event featured messages from PhilHealth Board Member Robert Francis F. Maronilla, Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development Regional Director Dr. Joshua G. Brillantes, Bohol Provincial Health Officer Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy, and Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado.

Aumentado affirmed the provincial government’s full support, calling YAKAP not just a government program but a lifesaver that helps protect the people of Bohol. 

“We at the provincial government offer full support for this initiative. 

Through PhilHealth YAKAP, there is assistance to protect ourselves from illnesses and to avoid worries about expenses for medicines, check-ups, and laboratory tests,” Aumentado said. 

The launch concluded with a ceremonial signing of a commitment wall, where government and health leaders pledged unified support for preventive care. 

Before YAKAP’s expansion, Bohol was the first province in Central Visayas to achieve 100% accreditation of its Rural Health Units as providers of the PhilHealth Konsulta Package. 

Formerly known as Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama or Konsulta, the program aims to keep Filipinos healthy through primary preventive care. 

YAKAP’s benefit package includes the enhanced PhilHealth Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT), a comprehensive outpatient drug benefit covering 75 types of medicines with an annual limit of P20,000 per member and dependent. 

A ceremonial signing of the manifesto and commitment symbolized unity among PhilHealth, local chief executives, and health leaders to ensure accessible and inclusive health care for Boholanos. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center (GCGMMC) Medical Center Chief Dr. Miguelito S. Jayoma (2nd, left) received the Certificate of Accreditation for GCGMMC as one of GAMOT providers in the Province during the YAKAP launching in Bohol on September 16, 2025 held at the MetroCentre Hotel and Convention Center in Tagbilaran City. DOH-Central Visayas Center for Health Development Regional Director Dr. Joshua G. Brillantes presented the award with PhilHealth Region VII Vice President Marjorie A. Cabrieto and PhilHealth Board Member Robert Francis F. Maronilla while Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado witnessed the awarding. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)