In the spirit of “justice, love and kindness,” PhilHealth Regional Office XII joined the Diocese of Marbel during the “Summit of the Poor” held in Polomolok, South Cotabato recently.

The summit aimed to provide the poor with opportunities to get updated with what the Church and the Government are doing for them.

Around 1,252 parishioners from Sarangani and South Cotabato Area had the chance to avail themselves of the services and privileges offered by different government agencies such as TESDA, DSWD, NEDA, DA, DOLE, SSS, Pag-ibig and PhilHealth.

While NEDA and DSWD defined what causes poverty in the region and made them understand the poverty incidence on a macro and micro level, identified individuals and institutions, on the other hand, shared their success stories to inspire and help the parishioners cope with their present condition.

As one of the invited agencies, PhilHealth provided not only information materials but conducted a brief orientation on the benefits that indigent members may avail themselves of once they are enrolled under the Indigent or Sponsored Programs.

The orientation also touched on PhilHealth’s Tsekap package that includes free consultation, regular BP measurement, breast examination, prostate examination, among others. Other benefit packages discussed were the outpatient malaria package, animal bite, HIV-AIDS, TB-DOTS, dialysis, maternity care package, newborn care package, cataract extraction, and family planning procedures.

Participants were also reminded that they are entitled to avail themselves of the No Balance Billing policy once admitted in government facilities on ward-type accommodation.

“All you have to do is take an active part and understand that the Church and the Government are working for you,” the author emphasized among participants.

The success of the summit is not measured by how many have attended but by how many lives will be transformed according to the organizers.

An Ecumenical Service led by Rev. Bishop Dinualdo Guttierez concluded the one-day summit. (END) (Hanah G. Naanep)