PhilHealth breaks ground for new home

Philippine Regional Office VI unveils the proposed building for its new home during the ground breaking ceremony at Baragay Oeste, Sta . Barbara, Iloilo.

The 2,199 square meter lot donated by the Province of Iloilo will hold the new office of PhilHealth in Western Visayas which caters to nearly 7.8 million people in the region.

“Today is the realization of the dream that we had 19 years ago when we started as the first pilot region in August of 1999 to process benefit claims,” said Janet A. Monteverde, Acting Regional Vice President of PhilHealth 6.  “We are deeply grateful to Iloilo Governor Arthur D. Defensor Sr. for giving us this site to build our permanent office which will not only provide convenience to our employees but more so to our clients and stakeholders,” added ARVP Monteverde.

Governor Arthur D. Defensor Sr. expressed his appreciation for the construction of PhilHealth Office as a symbol of special regard for the health of the province.

According to him the province shares the same vision with PhilHealth – that is to address the health needs of the people especially those who cannot afford adding that the province has spent more than 2Billion for the upgrading and repair of all government hospitals owned and operated by the province.

“We pledge to continuously improve the way we provide service to our members, partner health care providers, employers and other stakeholders,” said Dr. Roy B. Ferrer, Acting President and CEO of PhilHealth.  He also thanked the strong partnership with the Iloilo Provincial Government.  “This is a testament of our undying commitment to give utmost health care services which will make the greatest difference in the lives of the Filipino families,” added Dr. Ferrer.

As of November 2018, PhilHealth 6 covers 95.25% of the entire Western Visayas under the National health Insurance Program and has paid more than 7 Billion benefit claims.

Present also during the activity are Mayor Dennis S. Superficial, PhilHealth Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ruben John Basa and other officers of PhilHealth and partner-stakeholders.  (PhilHealth 6-Public Affairs Unit)