PhilHealth launches YAKAP Program in Central Visayas

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) officially launched its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) in Central Visayas on August 11, 2025, at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City. The initiative aims to expand access to enhanced primary and outpatient care services for PhilHealth members across the region.

YAKAP offers free consultations, health screenings, select medicines, and basic laboratory and diagnostic tests. Cancer screening services and additional medications are expected to be added soon.

As of August 9, 2025, PhilHealth Region VII reported 240 accredited YAKAP clinics in Central Visayas, including VSMMC’s Outpatient Department. VSMMC, a tertiary Department of Health (DOH) hospital and academic medical center, is expected to play a key role in delivering future cancer screening services under the program.

The launch was attended by key health leaders and government officials, including VSMMC Chief Dr. Gerardo Aquino Jr., DOH-Central Visayas Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes, Cebu Provincial Board Member and Public Health Committee Chair Dr. Stanley Caminero, Cebu Provincial Administrator Atty. Ace Durano (representing Governor Pamela Baricuatro), and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival.

PhilHealth-7 Regional Vice President Marjorie Cabrieto said YAKAP builds on the existing Konsulta package, with expanded benefits and wider facility accreditation.

“YAKAP is an enhanced package of the Konsulta. You can seek free consultation, medicines, and laboratory services,” she said, noting that cancer screening for breast, lung, colorectal, and liver cancers will be included soon.

Over 100 stakeholders participated in the launch, including patients who availed of on-site services such as PhilHealth membership registration, Member Data Record (MDR) updates, ID card issuance with photo capturing, and assisted registration to YAKAP-accredited clinics.

Later that afternoon, representatives from PhilHealth, VSMMC, DOH-Central Visayas Center for Health Development (CVCHD), the Cebu Provincial Government, and the Cebu City Government signed a Manifesto of Support, affirming their unified commitment to making accessible and preventive healthcare available to more residents of Central Visayas. (CEBU NEWS)