PhilHealth

PhilHealth-CAR brings services to farthest barangays in the region 04-14-2025

Demonstrating its commitment to expanding public understanding of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), PhilHealth-CAR significantly broadened its marketing campaign with the recent launch of "Oplan Farthest" in March. This initiative is aimed to directly reach the most marginalized communities in the Cordillera's farthest barangays, bringing essential PhilHealth services to those who need them most.

In 2024, the total of PhilHealth members in the region, including declared dependents, reached 95.20% or 1,773,161 Cordillerans out of the projected 1,862,659 population. From this data, it has been determined that the unregistered PhilHealth members are those residing in distant, far-flung areas. As a response, PhilHealth-CAR has resolved to reach these communities, no matter the distance, to promote and encourage enrollment to the NHIP and provide residents equitable access to essential information on PhilHealth benefits and services.

“The region’s topography poses the greatest challenge to our information campaigns, considering the rugged terrains and extensive mountain ranges the Cordillera is known for. We are aware of the struggles ahead, the exposure to possible safety hazards that comes with crossing narrow roads and navigating steep slopes, to name a few. However, we plan to face this forward as we recognize the need to enroll more residents under the NHIP. This will likewise cover the gap in our membership data from last year”, stated RVP Dominga A. Gadgad during her engagement with the media in February.

True to this statement, Local Health Insurance Offices (LHIOs) and the PhilHealth Business Center (PBC) in the Region took the lead in identifying the farthest barangays with the most limited access to healthcare services through collaboration with the concerned Provincial and Local Government Units (LGUs).

Over 10 farthermost communities across the six provinces in the region have benefitted with the Oplan Farthest, with more barangays yet to be visited. Along with information campaigns, residents can also access services such as registering in the NHIP, updating their member data record (MDR) and availing of FPEs and medical consultations.

Aligning with the mandate of Universal Health Care (UHC), these efforts will greatly contribute in boosting healthcare access in remote areas where residents no longer have to worry about expensive medical fees when availing of health services, making long commutes to health facilities worthwhile for them. ###