PhilHealth, PSA Strengthen Partnership to Modernize Systems and Protect Member Benefits

by Info @Brand Zone | March 24, 2026

PR No. 2026-07 / March 26, 2026

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Philippine Statistics

Authority (PSA) have strengthened their partnership to modernize systems, prevent

fraudulent claims, and ensure benefits reach every Filipino, with the signing of a

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) co-

location and the launch of the PhilHealth Check Utility (PCU) today, March 26.

“Filipinos deserve a health insurance system that is modern, secure, and reliable,” said

PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado. “Through our partnership with the

PSA, we are strengthening our systems, improving the accuracy of our records, and

ensuring that every peso of the health fund supports legitimate claims and reaches every Filipino.”

He added that while safeguards are strengthened, access to benefits remains fully protected.

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“As we clean and modernize our systems, we remain committed to ensuring that no eligible member is denied service. Our priority is to deliver services that are both secure and accessible for all,” he said.

Through the co-location initiative, PhilSys registration is available directly at selected PhilHealth offices, allowing members to register for their National ID while accessing PhilHealth services.

The PCU integrates PhilSys data to verify identities in real time, perform biometric liveness checks, and match records for accuracy, ensuring that only valid claims are processed. The system is fully integrated into key programs, including the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and the GAMOT benefit availment process, streamlining the patient journey from consultation to medicine access.

These initiatives mark a significant step in PhilHealth’s digital transformation and

modernization efforts, aligned with the Universal Health Care Act. By strengthening identity verification, improving data integrity, and streamlining processes, PhilHealth and PSA reaffirm their commitment to a more accountable, efficient, and people-centered health system for all Filipinos.

Giyera sa Middle East... Presyo ng gamot at pagpapaospital, sapul — DOH

ni Madel Moratillo @Business | March 26, 2025

Photo Department of Health

Nagbabala si Health Secretary Ted Herbosa sa posibilidad ng pagtaas ng halaga ng gamot at pagpapaospital sa bansa kasundo ng patuloy na tensyon sa Gitnang Silangan.

Tiniyak naman ni Herbosa ang mahigpit na monitoring ng Department of Health (DOH) sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon at posibilidad ng problema sa delivery ng mga imported na gamot at iba pang medical supply.

Kung mangyayari ito, puwede aniyang magkaroon ng shortage.

Paglilinaw ng kalihim, sa ngayon, wala pang shortage ng gamot at medical supplies.

Maaga lang aniya silang kumikilos para maiwasan ang paglaki ng krisis.

Kaya ang DOH, naglatag na rin aniya ng emergency preparedness measures kabilang ang pagsuri sa kanilang inventory at tiyakin ang sapat na stock ng gamot at medical supplies.

Meritxell Children’s World Foundation Becomes PCSO’s Latest Institutional Partner

by Info @Brand Zone | March 24, 2026

By: Justin B. Santos/Nomar G. Reynon/ Photos by Edwin B. Lovino

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), led by General Manager Melquiades A. Robles, has welcomed the Meritxell Children’s World Foundation, Inc. as its newest institutional partner following the turnover of a ₱470,000 financial grant under the agency’s Institutional Partnership Program (IPP). 

The ceremonial turnover was held on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong City, with the check being formally received by Executive Director Leah Antonietta Lagmay on behalf of the foundation.

The financial assistance will support the foundation’s ongoing programs that provide comprehensive care and protection to vulnerable children. These include orphans, neglected children, foundlings, and survivors of abuse currently under the organization’s care.

Part of the funding will be allocated to the foundation’s project titled “Pag-asa: Health and Healing,” which aims to ensure sustained access to essential medications, medical supplies, and other necessary healthcare services for the girls sheltered by the institution. The initiative focuses on addressing the medical and psychological needs of the beneficiaries for recovery and rehabilitation.

GM Robles emphasized that the partnership reflects the agency’s continuing commitment to support to accredited social welfare institutions across the country. Through the IPP, the agency provides financial assistance to organizations recognized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) particularly those serving disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors.

The agency also expressed its intention to engage more qualified DSWD-accredited institutions nationwide to expand the reach of its assistance programs and help address the needs of their respective beneficiaries.

                                                    PCSO, Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong!

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PCSO Holds Free Medical, Dental Mission at LRT-2 Cubao Station

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By: Leila Valencia/ Photos by Edwin Lovino

In celebration of National Women’s Month, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), in partnership with the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), conducted a free medical and dental mission at the LRT Line 2 Araneta Center-Cubao Station on March 17, 2026.

The outreach activity provided accessible and essential healthcare services to employees and members of the public, particularly commuters passing through the station. A total of 168 patients were served during the mission.

The activity was led by Dr. Rouel Aparato, together with nurses and dentists from the PCSO Medical Services Department (MSD), in coordination with LRTA medical personnel. Through the combined efforts of both institutions, beneficiaries were able to receive various healthcare services aimed at promoting wellness and preventive care.

LRTA Administrator Atty. Hernando Cabrera expressed his appreciation to PCSO for bringing the medical and dental mission to the station. He underscored the importance of making healthcare services more accessible to commuters and frontline workers within the transport system.

The initiative formed part of PCSO’s continuing commitment to extend meaningful public service beyond its traditional mandates by bringing responsive and people-centered programs closer to communities. By holding the activity in a transport station, the agency was able to reach individuals who may otherwise have limited opportunity to access free basic healthcare services.

Through this collaboration, more Filipinos, especially women, in line with the National Women’s Month celebration, were given the opportunity to prioritize their health and well-being.

‘’PCSO, Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong!’’

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PCSO reaches Lipeños with aid and free medical, dental services

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By: Leila N. Valencia / Mark Lester Tejada / Photos by: Arnold Ramos / Ericson Delos Reyes

LIPA CITY, Batangas — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) extended various aid and healthcare services through the distribution of 2,050 ChariTimba and a medical mission for residents across six barangays in Lipa City on March 13, 2026, as part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Beneficiaries of ChariTimba included senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) from Barangays Anilao Proper, Antipolo del Sur, Anilao Labac, Pagolingin East, Pagolingin West, and Pagolingin Bata. 

The ChariTimba distribution was led by PCSO Chairperson Felix Reyes Jr., who was joined by agency personnel and local officials. Also present was Batangas 6^th District Representative, Ryan Christian Recto, who expressed support for the agency’s humanitarian programs, along with barangay chairpersons from the beneficiary communities.

Meanwhile, the medical and dental mission was conducted in partnership with the Lipa City Dental Chapter at the gymnasium of Barangay Antipolo del Sur. A total of 155 residents received free medical and dental services, including consultations, tooth extractions, and electrocardiogram (ECG) procedures. Medicines and vitamins were also provided to beneficiaries.

As part of its support for education, the agency extended educational assistance to 60 students from the participating barangays.

Barangay officials expressed their gratitude to PCSO for its continued delivery of essential services and assistance to communities, particularly to vulnerable sectors.

PCSO reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining programs that promote health, welfare, and social support for Filipinos in need.

PCSO, Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong!

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PCSO Attends 2026 3YO Maiden Stakes Race III Drawing of Lots; Sponsors P500K Race for MHP

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By: Justin B. Santos/ Photos by Ericson L. Delos Reyes

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Racing Committee, led by Chairperson Atty. Lyssa Grace Pagano, together with other PCSO officials, attended the 2026 3-Year-Old Maiden Stakes Race III Drawing of Lots in preparation for the much-anticipated race scheduled on March 29, 2026 at the Padre Garcia Race Track in Batangas.

The drawing of lots was a crucial step in determining the strategic positioning of participating horses, ensuring fairness and transparency as contenders prepare for the upcoming race. The activity also highlighted the importance of proper race preparation and reinforced the integrity of the sport.

Meanwhile, PCSO also sponsored the ₱500,000 race purse for the 4-Year-Old and Above Local Category in celebration of the 19th anniversary of the Mega Hop Philippines (MHP) Organization.

In the sponsored race, “Circus Crowd” showcased an impressive performance, galloping its way to victory. Jockey Jommel Lazaro was recognized as the winning rider for his skillful handling of the horse during the race.

Also honored during the awarding ceremony were horse owner Bianca Sevilla and trainer Raymondo Mongaya, whose combined efforts contributed to the winning performance.

PCSO officials reaffirmed the agency’s continued support for the local horse racing industry, noting that events like this help promote the sport while strengthening partnerships with organizations such as the MHP that contribute to the development of horse racing in the country.

                                      ‘’Sa Bawat Taya, May Kawanggawa!’’