The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) together with 17 other government agencies and 250 college students of Mindanao participated in the First Anti-Red Tape (ARTA) Caravan of the Civil Service Commission at the Mindanao University of Science and Technology in Cagayan de Oro City.

According to the CSC, although public awareness on ARTA is gradually increasing, it remains low. Thus, the ARTA Caravan with this year’s theme “#Kontra Red Tape: Kabataan, Kaakibat sa Mahusay na Pamamahala,” aims to reach students in various universities nationwide to increase their awareness on ARTA, their rights and responsibilities as consumers of government service through the Citizen’s Charter, and service innovations in government agencies.

Formally opening the 2016 ARTA Caravan, CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala told the attending youth that “If you want to avail of the services provided or simply want to get information on the programs of these government agencies, then the caravan is an opportune time to hit multiple offices in one venue.”

PhilHealth Region X headed by Regional Vice President and concurrent Area Vice President for Mindanao Datu Masiding M. Alonto Jr. and PhilHealth’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon F. Aristoza Jr., were present to welcome the CSC Chairperson and other officials of the CSC to the PhilHealth Booth. Among all participating agencies, PhilHealth obtained the “Best Booth Award” for having the most interactive and ARTA-compliant booth.

The government agencies also presented their best practices to the enthusiastic students. For PhilHealth, one of its many endeavors is seeking to find various ways on how to reach its members through easier and more accessible services. PhilHealth has removed some documentary requirements for member registration and updating and introduced My PhilHealth Portal and PhilHealth Customer Relations and Empowerment Staff (PCARES) to serve as channels to reach their members in health care facilities.

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The ARTA Caravan in MUST was the second leg of the ARTA Caravan. The first part was held in Palma Hall, University of the Philippines in Quezon City in January, and the third part was held in Leyte Normal University, Tacloban City on February 15, 2016. All participating PhilHealth Booths won the Best Booth Award. The recognition only proves PhilHealth’s commitment to member satisfaction aligned with easing out Red Tape in the Country. (PRO X Public Affairs Unit)