BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Baguio Local Health Insurance Office is encouraging more residents to avail of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), a comprehensive preventive care package that provides free consultation, laboratory tests, and medicines.
In an interview, Janet Palaez, Chief Social Insurance Officer, explained that YAKAP is just the new name of the Konsulta Program, which means that those already registered previously do not need to apply again, as their records were automatically carried over.
“This is a preventive measure. The goal is for members and their dependents to maintain good health and avoid severe illnesses that lead to expensive hospitalizations. The services are absolutely free, and members are entitled to up to P20,000 worth of benefits per year,” Palaez said.
Clarifying the P20,000 benefit
One of the biggest misconceptions the PhilHealth wants to correct is that the P20,000 benefit is given as cash or can be claimed directly.
“Many come here asking how to withdraw the P20,000, thinking they can buy medicines anywhere. That is not the process. The P20,000 is a coverage value, not cash,” Palaez clarified.
To avail of the benefit, members must follow these steps:
Enlist or assign yourself to the nearest accredited YAKAP facility.
In Baguio, 15 out of 16 District Health Centers are already accredited, plus facilities at the Department of Education Baguio and Baguio General Hospital. There are also 12 accredited pharmacies where medicines can be claimed.
Undergo health profiling and consultation with a doctor.
Receive free medicines. Up to 21 basic medicines (for hypertension, diabetes, common ailments) are available at the center while 75 other listed medicines are available at accredited pharmacies using the doctor’s prescription.
Dependents including spouses and children below 21 years old who are unmarried and unemployed are also entitled to their own separate P20,000 benefit coverage.
Expanded benefits and mental health services
Aside from basic healthcare, Palaez said PhilHealth has expanded its packages to include mental health services.
The Lucban Health Center is accredited to provide basic mental health consultation and treatment worth P9,000 per course, while Baguio General Hospital handles severe cases with a P19,000 package.
Other available packages cover tuberculosis treatment, animal bites, maternity care, and inpatient hospitalization, including the No Balance Billing policy for government facilities.
As of April 30, 2026, only 111,680 (30.48%) out of Baguio’s total population of 366,358 have enlisted for YAKAP. From those enrolled, only 14,984 have actually utilized the services or undergone the required First Patient Encounter.
“Data shows 70% are still not enrolled. We identified possible reasons: some live in gated communities where access is restricted, some have religious beliefs [which they deem inconsistent with the program], while others may be dissatisfied with services or simply lack awareness,” Palaez said.
She added that some residents think that PhilHealth only applies when confined in a hospital.
“YAKAP was created exactly to address that, so you use your PhilHealth before you get sick to prevent hospitalization,” she emphasized.
“We are doing our best to reach everyone. We hope the public helps us by listening, enrolling, and availing of these services that they have already paid for through their contributions. Don’t wait to get sick before using your PhilHealth,” Palaez said. **JDP/MAWC-PIA-CAR
