Benefits for PDLs. PhilHealth Regional Vice President Delio A. Aseron II explains that, under the agreement, eligible PDLs and their dependents will be registered and granted access to PhilHealth benefits, including the Yaman ng Kalusugan Para Malayo sa Sakit (YAKAP) program.(Photo courtesy of PhilHealth-10/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA—Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in northern Mindanao will have improved access to health insurance services under a new partnership between the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
PhilHealth and BJMP in the region signed a memorandum of agreement on Aug. 15 to formalize a data-sharing arrangement. This will allow eligible PDLs to receive healthcare services covered by PhilHealth and streamline the processing of claims and reimbursements.
BJMP Regional Director JCSupt. Felixberto S. Jagorin Jr. said stigma continues to deter PDLs from accessing government healthcare services. He said the partnership offers a lawful process through which they can exercise their right to healthcare under Republic Act No. 11223, the Universal Health Care Act.
“Sa ganitong paraan, maipapakita natin na sa kabila ng kanilang kasalukuyang kalagayan, hindi sila nalilimutan ng pamahalaan at patuloy silang may karapatan sa maayos na pangangalaga ng kalusugan,” Jagorin said.
(This way, we can show [PDLs] that despite their situation, the government still cares for them, and upholds their right to quality healthcare.)
Under the agreement, PhilHealth will assist in registering PDLs so they or their qualified dependents can access health benefits. These include services under the recently launched Yaman ng Kalusugan Para Malayo sa Sakit (YAKAP) program.
Cited in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 2025 State of the Nation Address, YAKAP provides free medical checkups through Konsulta service providers, access to 75 types of medicine at accredited clinics and pharmacies, and up to P20,000 annually for outpatient medications under the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) component. It also covers laboratory and cancer screening tests.
PhilHealth Regional Vice President Delio A. Aseron II said the program aims to ease concerns among PDLs about health-related expenses for themselves or their families.
“Nais natin siguraduhin na sila ay mayroon ring benepisyong matatanggap kung sakali man na sila’y magkasakit habang sila ay deprived ng kanilang liberty, o kung ang kanilang mahal sa buhay ay ma-ospital,” Aseron said.
(We want to ensure that they and their dependents still receive health benefits while they are deprived of their own liberty, or their family members are hospitalized.)
Aseron said the agency’s shift toward a preventive healthcare approach aligns with the intent of the YAKAP program.
“Nakikita po natin ang direksyon ng PhilHealth, kung saan nais natin na ang bawat pamilyang Pilipino ay mailayo sa sakit,” said Aseron.
(We see in PhilHealth’s direction, to ensure that all Filipino families are shielded from illness.)
PhilHealth continues to coordinate with government agencies and local government units to expand the reach of YAKAP in the region and support the Bagong Pilipinas governance agenda. (GDA/PIA-10)
( By Gabriel Andres )
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