BALER, Aurora (PIA) — About 200 fisherfolk and their families in Barangay Zabali, Baler, Aurora accessed primary healthcare services through the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) Caravan of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
The beneficiaries were among those who were severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Uwan in 2025, highlighting the need to bring essential health services closer to vulnerable coastal communities.
PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office Baler Chief Social Insurance Officer Annabelle Imana said the YAKAP Caravan supports government efforts to expand access to primary healthcare while strengthening awareness of PhilHealth programs.
“Through this holistic approach, we address the health needs of fisherfolk while engaging barangay officials and community leaders,” Imana said.
The YAKAP Caravan provided free medical consultations, essential medicines, preventive health guidance, and referrals to higher-level medical facilities, addressing the immediate healthcare needs of fisherfolk and their families in the coastal barangay.
In addition to medical services, PhilHealth facilitated the distribution of food and clothing to further assist families affected by previous super typhoons, helping support their recovery and overall well-being.
Local officials welcomed the initiative, noting that bringing healthcare services directly to coastal areas enables fisherfolk to seek timely medical attention without disrupting their livelihood.
Meanwhile, Imana added that PhilHealth implements monitoring mechanisms such as the Mutual Care Agreement and the YAKAP Empanelment Slip to ensure proper service delivery, supported by quarterly surveys among partner healthcare providers.
PhilHealth has already conducted 25 YAKAP caravans across Aurora, benefiting 73,160 individuals through 16 partner providers as part of its sustained efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery in local communities. (CLJD/MJRD, PIA Region 3- Aurora)
