News
PhRO V Launches Online Service Desk in Tabaco City -
August 3, 2010
The PhilHealth Regional Office V recently opened its first online Service Desk in Tabaco City, also called the City of Love.
The online desk aims to cater to the information and assistance requirements of PhilHealth members and potential registrants from the first district of Albay. After two years in the pipeline, the Service Desk was finally realized through the support of Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro and the leadership of PhRO V's Officer-in-charge, Dr. Veronica T. Mateum.
Present during the launching ceremonies was Rep. Edcel Lagman (1st District, Albay) who is an ardent supporter of health care programs. "I will have no objections to DOH Secretary, Dr. Enrique Ona’s proposal to infuse an additional 9 billion pesos to the PhilHealth fund. We extended our support since the start of the Program and we will continuously do so, to make health care services accessible to every Filipino, so all of us will be in our pink of health," he said.
Meanwhile, Luistro gave a rundown of her administration's support for PhilHealth which led to its present growth in membership and to the improved health care services for the city’s residents. "We commit. We encourage promoting health care and we support the delivery of quality health care services," expressed Luistro.
One of the highlights of the launching activity was the turnover of PhilHealth Capitation Fund Checks worth P1,590,560.54 to Luistro for the City Government of Tabaco and P72,000.00 to Mayor Tobias Betitto for the Municipality of Bacacay. The amounts can be used to upgrade the facilities of PhilHealth-accredited Rural Health Units in both local government units. Mateum expressed PhRO V’s appreciation to the mayors and other local officials from the first district of Albay, for their continued support to the PhilHealth program.
"With the presence of the Online Service Desk in Tabaco City, our members no longer have to spend for a two-way fare to and from Legazpi City to secure the documents they need for benefits availment. They can now request for a Member Data Record, PhilHealth Number Card, CE Form 1, inquire about the status of their claims, and ask about other concerns on PhilHealth which will be attended and responded to by our officer that will be assigned here," cited Mateum.
The Tabaco City Service Desk, which is located at the Ground Floor of the CSWDO Building along Rizal Street, is open Tuesdays to Fridays, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. . The PhRO is now preparing to replicate this milestone in the 3rd District of Albay as part of its commitment to be of service to every Bicolano. (Paulette Gay Santiago, PhRO V)