During the recent celebration of the 119th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, the PhilHealth Regional Office – National Capital Region (PRO NCR) relived the roots of healthcare from its pre-colonial and colonial past in the battle for Best Booth Design and Presentation of Government Services held at the Burnham Green, Rizal Park in Manila.

With the theme: “Pagbabagong Sama-Samang Balikatin,” PRO NCR, through the Local Health Insurance Office – Manila, showcased the progress of Philippine Medicine as inspired by the artwork of the late painter Carlos “Botong” Francisco which was incorporated in the booth set-up which won first place and P30,000.00 cash prize. It was closely followed by the Home Development and Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) at second place, and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) at third place.

Last 2016, PRO NCR also won the first place in the booth design and set-up, making this year’s triumph a back-to-back feat for PhilHealth.

The booth display was divided into three parts: Pre-Colonial, Colonial, and Modern Era of Healthcare. From the pre-colonial period of ancient medicinal practices of Babaylans, folk medicine – albularyo, manghihilot, and mangtatawas - to the introduction of Western medicine, up to the modern period of healthcare, the entire booth exhibition showcased the changes in healthcare through the centuries where PhilHealth, as the healthcare financing arm of the government, plays a vital role in ensuring financial risk protection for all Filipinos.

The whole presentation, which featured the PRO NCR Band, a series of photo exhibits and showcasing of ancient and vintage medicine bottle collections, 19th century local newspaper issues, and PhilHealth employees donning the cultural costumes from the different eras in Philippine History, was judged by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) using two criteria: 50 percent creativity, innovation and relevance to the theme, and 50 percent showcasing of government services, compliance to the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA), and provision of customer’s delight.

During the two-day event, PRO NCR offered services like membership and enrolment, generation of PhilHealth identification cards and Member Data Records, and contribution verification to approximately 500 member and non-member clients. (END)

(Reference: Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas, Head Executive Assistant and Concurrent OIC-Vice President for Corporate Affairs Group, Tel. 0917-8089399)