Barangay Gumatdang

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵’𝘀 𝗬𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗣 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿

September 1, 2025 — Following the nationwide launch of PhilHealth’s YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan) Program, the Itogon Municipal Health Services Office (MHSO) gave an explainer about the expanded health benefits now available to PhilHealth members and their dependents.

MHSO Head Dr. Oliver P. Guadaña explained that the YAKAP Program is essentially a rebranding and enhancement of the existing Konsulta program. “Ada daytoy Itogon Health Services Office tayo nga providing Konsulta, and now some of the YAKAP services,” said Dr. Guadaña.

According to him, PhilHealth members can continue to avail free medical consultations, while YAKAP now adds screening services and laboratory procedures, including cancer screening tests.

Dr. Guadaña clarified that each PhilHealth member and their dependents must register with only one accredited YAKAP facility. Registration outside Itogon would mean the member cannot avail of YAKAP services in the municipality.

“Once you are registered in Itogon, we can now refer you to accredited facilities for breast, lung, and cervical cancer screening. Some basic laboratory services are also available at the Itogon Health Services Office,” he said.

The program also expands access to free medicines.

“From Konsulta, we were mandated to provide 21 medicines. Now, under YAKAP, 75 identified and itemized medicines are covered. For the Itogon Health Office, we cannot accommodate all 75 at the moment, which is why we are applying for the Gamot PhilHealth accreditation. Once approved, we can provide all 75 free medicines,” Dr. Guadaña added.

Under YAKAP, every PhilHealth member is entitled to ₱20,000 worth of medicines annually from the identified drug list. These may be availed from PhilHealth-accredited pharmacies. He added that YAKAP health facility will only issue good for thirty days prescription.

Dr. Guadaña encouraged local pharmacies to seek accreditation so they can serve the community under this benefit.

He also reminded residents that only government physicians are authorized to issue the official forms for prescriptions and laboratory requests, which are required for YAKAP benefits.

The Municipal Health Services Office is encouraging residents to be PhilHealth members and register with the Itogon YAKAP health facility. A mass registration and PhilHealth YAKAP services event will be held on September 26, 2025 at the Fianza Memorial Gymnasium.