What is PHILHEALTH? A Comprehensive Overview to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation

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What is PHILHEALTH

PhilHealth, short for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, is a government-owned and controlled corporation in the Philippines. It’s the country’s national health insurance program that aims to provide affordable and accessible health care services for all Filipinos. 

In a nation striving for accessible healthcare, understanding the intricacies of health insurance becomes paramount. Many Filipinos grapple with questions surrounding the pivotal entity that is PHILHEALTH.

This overview clarifies PHILHEALTH’s functions and benefits, empowering Filipinos to navigate its complexities effortlessly with concrete information and insights.

History and Founding

These milestones trace the evolution of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, reflecting its commitment to realizing the right to proper and affordable healthcare for every Filipino.

  • 1971 – Inception of the Philippine Medical Care Program:The journey towards universal health coverage in the Philippines commenced with the initiation of the Philippine Medical Care Program in 1971, following the enactment of the Philippine Medical Care Act of 1969.
  • 1990 – Significant Improvement of Public Health Care Insurance: Critical strides were made in public health care insurance in 1990, with the passage of bills that aimed at enhancing the scope and quality of healthcare services for the public.
  • 1995 – The National Health Insurance Act (RA 7875): Responding to public demand for more comprehensive health insurance, House Bill 14225 and Senate Bill 01738 materialized into the National Health Insurance Act of 1995 (Republic Act 7875). President Fidel V. Ramos signed this landmark legislation on February 14, 1995.
  • 1996 – Establishment of PhilHealth: As a result of the National Health Insurance Act, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation was established in 1996 under Republic Act 8243. This marked a pivotal step towards the development of a social health insurance scheme designed to ensure proper and affordable healthcare for all Filipinos.
  • 1997-2005 – Assumption of Responsibilities: Philippine Health Insurance Corporation assumed the administration of the former Medicare program from various entities, including the Government Service Insurance System (October 1997), the Social Security System (April 1998), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (March 2005).

Mandate, Mission & Vision

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s mandate, rooted in Republic Act 10606, is to administer the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). 

This involves the establishment and maintenance of a social health insurance system that provides accessible, affordable, and quality health care for all citizens of the Philippines.

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is dedicated to ensuring financial risk protection and equitable access to quality health care services. 

The mission is to mobilize resources through a sustainable and responsive health financing system, fostering partnerships with stakeholders, and promoting a culture of excellence and social responsibility.

The vision of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is to be the primary catalyst in achieving a financially protected and healthy Filipino society. 

This entails becoming a globally recognized and innovative leader in social health insurance, fostering a nation where all individuals enjoy optimal health and well-being without the burden of financial constraints.

Officers

 The PhilHealth board and key officers are as follows:

Board of Directors:

  • Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, Secretary, Department of Health, Chairperson
  • Dr. Lilibeth C. David, MPH, MPM, CESO I, Undersecretary
  • Dr. Beverly Lorraine C. Ho, MPH, Director IV
  • Atty. Charade B. Mercado-Grande, OIC-Undersecretary
  • Rexlon T. Gatchalian, DSWD Secretary
  • Ivy Grace S. Rivera, Assistant Secretary
  • Atty. Megan Therese Y. Manahan, Director IV
  • Bienvenido E. Laguesma, DOLE Secretary
  • Warren M. Miclat, OIC-Assistant Secretary
  • Gilbert D. Cacatian, OIC-Director
  • Benjamin E. Diokno, DOF Secretary
  • Rosalia V. De Leon, Treasurer
  • Eduardo Anthony G. Mariño III, OIC-Deputy Treasurer
  • Amenah F. Pangandaman, DBM Secretary
  • Wilford Will L. Wong, Undersecretary
  • Elena Regina S. Brillantes, Director

Executive Officers:

  • Emmanuel Jr. R. Ledesma, President and Chief Executive Officer
  • Eli Dino D. Santos, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Senior Vice Presidents:

  • Nerissa R. Santiago (Acting)
  • Jovita V. Aragona
  • Renato Jr. L. Limsiaco
  • Jose Mari F. Tolentino
  • Dennis S. Mas
  • Israel Francis A. Pargas
  • Clementine A. Bautista (Acting)

Vice Presidents:

  • Lemuel T. Untalan
  • Francisco Jr. Z. Soria
  • Nerissa R. Santiago
  • Rey T. Baleña (Acting)
  • Ann Marie C. San Andres (Acting)
  • Jay R. Villegas
  • Albert Francis E. Domingo

Career Opportunities

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation offers diverse positions across fields such as healthcare management, finance, information technology, and policy development. 

Whether you’re an experienced professional or a recent graduate, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation provides a dynamic and mission-driven environment where your skills and passion for healthcare can make a meaningful impact. 

Main Office

The main office of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is at Citystate Centre, 709 Shaw Boulevard, Capitol Commons, Pasig City.

Regional Field Offices

 PRO I  – DAGUPAN

The PhilHealth Regional Office I, situated in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, operates from the Akia Building on Old De Venecia Highway. For inquiries or assistance, you can contact them at (075) 515-1111 or reach out via email at region1@philhealth.gov.ph

PRO II – TUGEGARAO

The PhilHealth Regional Office II, located in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, operates from The Builder’s Place on Del Rosario Street. For inquiries or assistance, you can contact them at (078) 255-1342 or (0917) 8357544, and reach out via email at info.pro2@philhealth.gov.ph.

PRO CAR  –  BAGUIO

The PhilHealth Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), based in Baguio City, operates from the SNOBT, Inc. Building on No. 19 Leonard Wood Road. For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the office at (074) 444-5345, 444-8361, or 444-9862, and reach out via email at car@philhealth.gov.ph.

PRO  III-A – SAN FERNANDO

The PhilHealth Regional Office III-A, located in San Fernando City, Pampanga, operates from the Ground Floor of the PhilHealth Building on Lazatin Blvd., San Agustin. For inquiries or assistance, you can contact the regional office at (045) 961-1977 or (045) 961-3949 loc. 4330.

Additionally, the PhilHealth Regional Office III-A has a branch, PRO III Branch A, situated on the 2nd Floor of the PhilHealth Building, Lazatin Blvd., San Agustin, San Fernando City, Pampanga C-2000. For branch-related inquiries, individuals can contact them at (045) 961-0710 loc. 4321. 

PRO III-B – MALOLOS

The PhilHealth Regional Office III-B, located in Malolos City, Bulacan, operates from The Cabanas Mall of Malolos on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the N4 Building, Km. 44/45 MacArthur Highway, Longos. For inquiries or assistance, you can contact the regional office at (044) 796-1559 or (044) 796-1560 loc. 4400.

PRO NCR

The PhilHealth Regional Office for the National Capital Region (NCR) operates from the VCP Building, Block 56, Lot 11, 68 Kalayaan Avenue, Teacher’s Village West, Quezon City. For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the regional office at (02) 8441-5673.

PRO NCR – NORTH – MANILA

The PhilHealth Regional Office NCR North, located in Manila, operates from the Ten Commandments Building on 689 Rizal Avenue Extension, Gracepark, Caloocan City.

PRO NCR – CENTRAL – QUEZON CITY

The PhilHealth Regional Office NCR Central, situated in Quezon City, operates from the Corporate 145 Building at 145 Mother Ignacia St., Brgy. South Triangle.

PRO NCR – SOUTH – PASIG CITY

The PhilHealth Regional Office NCR South, based in Pasig City, operates from 8007 Pioneer St., Brgy Kapitolyo.

PRO IVA – LUCENA

The PhilHealth Regional Office IV-A, located in Lucena City, operates from the Lucena Grand Central Terminal in Brgy. Ilayang Dupay. For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the regional office at (042) 373-7554 or reach out via email at member.pro4a@philhealth.gov.ph. 

PRO IVB – BATANGAS

The PhilHealth Regional Office IV-B, situated in Batangas City, operates from Xentro Mall Batangas City on Diversion Road, Brgy. Alangilan. For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the regional office via email at region4b@philhealth.gov.ph.

PRO V – LEGASPI

The PhilHealth Regional Office V, based in Legazpi City, Albay, operates from the ANST IV Building on Benny S. Imperial Drive. For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the regional office through the Healthline at (052) 481-5596. 

PRO VI – ILOILO

The PhilHealth Regional Office VI, located in Iloilo City, operates from the Gaisano Capital Building on Luna Street, Lapaz. For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the regional office at (033) 501-9160 to 62, loc. 100/102, or reach out via email at region6@philhealth.gov.ph.

PRO VII – CEBU

The PhilHealth Regional Office VII, based in Cebu City, operates from the 7th and 8th Floors of Skytower, located at N. Escario Street corner Acacia Street.

PRO VIII – TACLOBAN

The PhilHealth Regional Office VIII, situated in Tacloban City, Leyte, operates from Brgy. 24 on P. Burgos Street. For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the regional office at (053) 325-3563, with an additional option for fax at (053) 523-1195, or reach out via email at info.pro8@philhealth.gov.ph.

PRO IX – ZAMBOANGA

The PhilHealth Regional Office IX, located in Zamboanga City, operates from the BGIDC Corporate Center on Gov. Lim Ave. For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the regional office at (062) 992-2739 (fax) or reach out via email at region9@philhealth.gov.ph. 

PRO X – CAGAYAN DE ORO

The PhilHealth Regional Office X, situated in Cagayan de Oro City, operates from the 8th Floor of Gateway Tower 2, Limketkai Center, C.M. Recto Avenue. For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the regional office at (088) 859-0225 or reach out via email at region10@philhealth.gov.ph.

PRO CARAGA – BUTUAN

The PhilHealth Regional Office for CARAGA, located in Butuan City, operates from Lynzee’s Building on 766 J. Rosales Avenue. For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the regional office at (085) 342-0900, (085) 816-0019, or (085) 225-7026 loc. 101-103. Additionally, they can reach out via email at caraga@philhealth.gov.ph.

PRO XI – DAVAO

The PhilHealth Regional Office XI, based in Davao City, operates from Valgosons Building on Bolton Ext., Poblacion District. For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the regional office at (082) 295-2133 loc. 6314 or (082) 295-0151. Additionally, they can reach out via email at region11@philhealth.gov.ph or pro11.orvp@gmail.com. 

PRO XII – KORONADAL

The PhilHealth Regional Office XII, located in Koronadal City, operates from the CSA I Building on the corner of Zulueta Street and General Santos Drive. For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the regional office at (083) 228-9731 to 34 (fax) or (083) 228-4733. Additionally, they can reach out via email at region12@philhealth.gov.ph or admin.pro12@philhealth.gov.ph.

PRO BARMM – MARAWI

The PhilHealth Regional Office for BARMM, based in Marawi City, operates from the Kouzbary Business Complex on Alibin Talib Street, New Capitol HTs, Marawi Poblacion. For inquiries or assistance, individuals can contact the regional office via email at pro.armm@philhealth.gov.ph or phic_armm@yahoo.com. 

Partners

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation has partnerships with various organizations and institutions to fulfill its mandate of providing all Filipinos with accessible, available, acceptable, and affordable health care services. 

Here are some of them:

  • Development Partners: These include the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), The World Bank (WB), Think Well, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Office Health and Project Teams, and World Health Organization (WHO).
  • Healthcare Providers: Philippine Health Insurance Corporation forges partnerships with only the best in the industry.
  • Employers: Philippine Health Insurance Corporation partners with employers in the government and private sectors to ensure that all their employees are provided with social health insurance coverage as mandated by law.
  • Service Providers: Philippine Health Insurance Corporation has entered into partnerships with Health IT Providers for its e-claims and related processes.
  • Collecting Partners: Philippine Health Insurance Corporation has tapped the services and networks of bank and non-bank institutions to make premium remittance more convenient for its members and employers.
  • Local Partners: These include CitizenWatch Ph, Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA), SmartStart, TV 5 Alaagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc., and Vitel 365.

Conclusion

At the heart of healthcare in the Philippines, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation stands as the nation’s primary provider of health insurance. Established to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare services for all Filipinos, PhilHealth plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of the nation.

Tips for Aspiring Applicants:

Before you embark on your application journey with Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, here are some key tips to keep in mind:

Authenticity Matters:

  • Let your true self shine through in your application.
  • Showcase not just your achievements but the essence of who you are.
  • Philippine Health Insurance Corporation values genuine passion for making a positive impact in healthcare.

Boldly Flaunt Your Strengths:

  • Don’t be shy about showcasing your unique skills and experiences.
  • Stand out by emphasizing what makes you special among other applicants.

Emphasize Teamwork Skills:

  • Collaboration is at the core of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s success.
  • Highlight your ability to work in a team, showcasing not just individual skills but your contribution to collective efforts.

Research and Align with PhilHealth’s Values:

  • Understand the core values of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
  • Align these values with your own and reflect them in your application.
  • Show that you’re not just looking for a job but share a mission with PhilHealth.

Seize the opportunity, put your best foot forward, and let your application be the catalyst for a promising journey with Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Best of luck!

References

  • Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) | Devex. Retrieved October 14, 2023 from https://www.devex.com/organizations/philippine-health-insurance-corporation-philhealth-52412.
  • History: About Us | PhilHealth. Retrieved October 14, 2023 from  https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/about_us/history.php. 
  • Philippine Health Insurance Corporation – Wikipedia. Retrieved October 14, 2023 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Health_Insurance_Corporation.
  • What is PhilHealth: History, Functions, Membership, Claims and Contact . Retrieved October 14, 2023 from https://www.morefunwithjuan.com/2022/11/what-is-philhealth.html.
  • PHILIPPINE HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATION. Retrieved October 14, 2023 from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/section/briefing-room/philippine-health-insurance-corporation/.
  • PHIC Annual Report 2019. Retrieved October 14, 2023 from https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/about_us/annual_report/ar2019.pdf.
  • PHIC Executive Summary 2020. https://www.coa.gov.ph/download/4928/philippine-health-insurance-corporation/65849/philippine-health-insurance-corporation-executive-summary-2020.pdf.