PhilHealth Expo Launches the
"Be PhilHealth Now" Campaign September 21, 2012

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation recently held its first-ever grand marketing summit dubbed as PHILHEALTH EXPO 2012 at the Trinoma Activity Center along Edsa, North Avenue, Quezon City last August 28, 2012.

As expected, the PhilHealth Expo paved the way for member’s to be informed, aware and become proactive individuals as evidenced of the more than 1,500 mall goers who visited the PhilHealth Express booth to register, pay their premium contribution and amend their member data record. Top on the list of transactions included the issuance of PhilHealth Number Card and PIN, data amendment, verification of their membership and contribution status as well information on the latest benefits in PhilHealth.

The event also highlighted the launching of the "Be PhilHealth Now" movement which aims to instill the value of social health insurance and its role in creating positive health outcomes. It also envisions empowering present and future members through access to information by maximizing membership and benefits as well as ensuring the use of available tools. The BPN booth recruits the public to be advocates of PhilHealth not only in the area of membership, education and awareness but also in the field of social health insurance espousing the value of equity and social solidarity. It was a successful campaign as numerous BPN advocates enlisted and received their kits.

The launching was headed by no less than the President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eduardo P. Banzon together with Board Members Jane Sta. Ana and Dr. Alexander Ayco, representing OFW and Labor sectors, respectively. Other PhilHealth key officers also graced the activity.

Speaking in front of participants and other mall goers who attended the event, Dr. Banzon stated that, "PhilHealth does not only mean health insurance but more of a social solidarity." He also echoed the concept of health insurance by attesting that "Social solidarity is about Filipinos caring for each other, its about the rich caring for the poor, its about the healthy caring for the sick, its about convincing each and every Filipino to be a member of PhilHealth because that’s the only way we could make Social Solidarity work". On the other hand, "Social solidarity demands that we, in PhilHealth, shall do more in protecting your funds by negotiating the best price for member’s benefits," he added.

Another important highlight of the program was the recognition of PhilHealth champions or advocates who have done significant contribution to PhilHealth in terms of their status in the society and fields of expertise. The PhilHealth champions are: Senator Pia S. Cayetano for Health and Governance, Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon of Philippine National Red Cross for Public Service, Chairman Rolando "Lakay" Gonzalo of Liga ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, for Media, President Kris Gem Danica P. Pasia of Public Health Student Council in Ateneo School of Medicine for the Youth and Program Director Mr. Jess Lorenzo of “Kaya Natin” Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership for Community Empowerment.

Although not able to attend the activity, Senator Pia S. Cayetano was grateful and privileged to be chosen as this year's PhilHealth champion for health and governance as quoted in her message that, "under the leadership of Dr. Banzon, we have seen how PhilHealth has implemented reforms allowing more benefits to be given to its members. She is also hopeful that "with the proposed changes amending the Philhealth law, lowering of out-of-pocket expenses, shifting to a case-based payment from the current fee-for-services arrangement, emphasis on preventive and primary health care and others, the goal of universal, affordable and quality health care services can be achieved".

PhilHealth Champion for Public Service Mr. Dick Gordon emphasized that health insurance is not an expense but more of a savings to protect us from unexpected hospitalization needs and that we are fortunate to have health insurance system through PhilHealth that answers such needs.

Finally, the PhilHealth Chief added that the EXPO and other marketing activities of PhilHealth aims to saturate the remaining population consisting of the healthy, the rich and the students to invest in social health insurance because now is the perfect time to BE PHILHEALTH NOW and join us as we move towards universal health coverage. (END)