1st Eastern Visayas Governors' Forum HeldAugust 5, 2011

IN pursuit of universal health coverage in Eastern Visayas, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) recently conducted the 1st Eastern Visayas Governors' Forum at the Development Bank of the Philippines in Makati City.

The event was attended by Rep. Rogelio J. Espina (Lone Dist., Biliran), Governors Sharee Ann Tan of Western Samar, Gerardo Espina Jr. of Biliran, Paul Daza of Northern Samar, Carlos Jericho Petilla of Leyte, as well as Vice Governor Sheen Gonzales of Eastern Samar and Mayor Leonardo Javier Jr. of Javier, Leyte.

Dr. Rey B. Aquino, PhilHealth's President and Chief Executive Officer thanked the seven local government officials for supporting the National Health Insurance Program. He also stressed that PhilHealth needs their support in ensuring the health of the Filipinos, especially in far-flung areas. "Napakahalaga ng inyong papel bilang mga lokal na tagapamahala dahil kayo ang tulay sa paghahatid ng mga serbisyong ito sa ating mga kababayan", Aquino said.

PhilHealth Vice President for Region VIII Walter R. Bacareza, who spearheaded the activity, presented PhilHealthLINK, a new system which aims to hasten verification of PhilHealth members upon admission to the provincial hospitals. This innovative system also aims to address problems such as availability of drugs and medicines in the provincial hospitals and facilities enhancement. The Regional Office VIII is coordinating with different government agencies to make PhilHealthLINK work.

Bukidnon Vice Governor Jose Maria Zubiri also presented the Bukidnon Health System to inspire guests that all things are possible through leadership, hard work and perseverance.

The forum was also attended by Assistant Secretary of Health, Dr. Paulyn Jean Ubial, PhilHealth Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Atty. Alexander A. Padilla, Development Bank of the Philippines Chairman, Jose Nuñez Jr., representatives of regional offices of the Departments of Health, Social Welfare and Development, Budget and Management-Procurement Service, and Interior and Local Government; Civil Service Commission, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other private partners. (END)