Tolosa: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Eastern Visayas is planning to register at least 4,000 private sector workers this year to access free health services through the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP). The initiative aims to improve healthcare accessibility for workers across the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE regional information officer Norma Rae Costimiano stated that the goal is to extend YAKAP registration to at least 20 large establishments in Eastern Visayas. Each of these establishments employs around 200 workers, potentially bringing significant health benefits to the workforce.
YAKAP, a program by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), is an enhanced primary care benefit package. It expands the previous Konsulta Package to offer comprehensive and proactive healthcare to all members. Costimiano emphasized the importance of worker productivity linked to good health, underscoring the program’s role in making health services more accessible to workers.
The regional launch of the program took place on Tuesday at the Don Orestes Romualdez Electric Cooperative in Tolosa, Leyte, with participation from about 200 workers. A memorandum of agreement between DOLE and PhilHealth was signed on July 25 to ensure the delivery of quality primary healthcare to Filipino workers under YAKAP.
To avail of the program, PhilHealth members need to select a health service provider and register in accredited YAKAP clinics via the PhilHealth website, the eGovPH app, or local PhilHealth offices. As of the end of August 2025, over 200 health facilities in Eastern Visayas have been accredited under YAKAP.
The program also includes up to 75 essential medicines, offering a benefit of up to PHP20,000 per year, thus alleviating the financial burden of medication costs on patients.