PhilHealth implements one-time interest waiver to help employers and members settle contributions

by Info @Brand Zone | January 9, 2026

PR No. 2026-01 - January 6, 2026

PhilHealth welcomes the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to implement a one-time waiver program for incurred interests from missed premium payments. This is a concrete measure to help employers, self-employed individuals, and other covered members settle long standing contribution obligations and restore good standing with the National Health Insurance Program. 

The waiver policy underscores the administration's commitment to fairness, economic recovery, and sustained access to healthcare by addressing the accumulated burden of interest arising from missed premium payments. 

To provide clarity, the one-time waiver applies strictly to interest charges, and does not cover unpaid premium contributions. The policy is designed to assist employers and self-employed individuals whose arrears have ballooned primarily because of compounded interest, while ensuring continuous delivery of benefits of employees and members of PhilHealth.  

To further ease the financial burden on covered entities, PhilHealth is providing a one-year settlement window from the effectivity of the Circular, during which outstanding premium contributions may be paid. Employers who settle earlier within the prescribed period may qualify for greater reductions in interest, including partial or full waiver, depending on the length of the payment term. 

For the employed sector, the guidelines for availing waiver will be published soon. Meanwhile, the detailed implementing mechanics for the self-employed sector are being finalized and will be issued separately to ensure proper guidance and orderly implementation. 

As part of the program safeguards, employers availing of the one-time waiver are required to register their employees under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and ensure completion of the First Patient Encounter (FPE), in line with PhilHealth policy. This requirement reinforces the intent of the waiver—not only to recover missed contributions, but also to connect workers and their families to accessible primary care services.

PhilHealth encourages all eligible employers and members to take advantage of this limited, one-time opportunity, and advises the public to await official announcements for further details on implementation timelines and payment arrangement options, particularly for the self-employed sector. 

For more information, employers may contact PhilHealth’s 24/7 hotline at (02) 866-225-88 or at mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, (Globe) 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.

Elevating Bulacan’s eco-sports tourism... Filipino cyclists from PH, abroad conquer DRT's mountainous trails in Lakbike Festival Teban 7

by Info @Brand Zone | December 11, 2025

CITY OF MALOLOS — Nearly 300 racers across the country and from abroad convened for another adrenaline-fueled installment of Lakbike Turismo: Lakbike Festival Teban 7 - Enduro Race, a premier downhill competition held last Sunday, December 7, on the rugged trails of Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan, sealing the town’s reputation as one of the adventure and eco-sports destination in Luzon. 

Organized by the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) through the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO) along with the Bulacan Gravity Crew, the event was participated by cyclists from La Union, Tuguegarao, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Metro Manila, Laguna, Baguio, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Cagayan De Oro, Bicol, Mindanao, Guam, London, Australia, Chicago, and Singapore.

This year’s race introduced a diverse roster of categories to provide the participants a competitive and inclusive sporting experience ranging from Open Men and Women, E-MTB, Executive, Men Age 50 and Above, Men Age 40-49, Men Age 30-39, Men Age 20-29, Men Age 15-19, Men Age 14 and below, and Hardtail categories. 

Steven Adler Paulino of the Bulacan Gravity Crew expressed his gratitude to the participants for pushing through the competition despite the forecasted high chance of rainfall a day before the event.

“Let’s do the 100% pa rin, gawin pa rin nating 100%. Lahat ng supplies ipasok natin para lahat ng darating masaya. [Kaya] sa mga nandito, maraming salamat po,” Paulino said. 

The seventh edition of the racing tilt also featured four special stages that highlighted the natural landscapes and sceneries of the town, starting at the Candle Monument in Brgy. Camachin and concluding at the Teban Trail Parking in Brgy. Talbak. 

On the other hand, OIC Department Head of PHACTO May Arlene DG. Torres shared in her message how the PGB consistently promotes sports and eco-tourism in the province, highlighting Doña Remedios Trinidad’s potential as an emerging tourist destination in the country. 

“Ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan po ay itinataguyod ang sports tourism tulad po nito, at gano’n din po ang eco-tourism. Ito pong DRT ay emerging na tourist destination, kaya sana po sa mga darating na taon ay mas mapasyalan niyo pa po ang iba’t ibang bahagi ng DRT at ng Bulacan. At sana ay sa inyong palaging pagpunta sa Bulacan, mahalin n’yo po ang [aming lalawigan],” she said. 

Meanwhile, a tree-planting activity was also conducted in certain parts of the town prior to the competition participated by selected racers, stressing Bulacan’s continued advocacy for ecotourism, environmental stewardship, and responsible outdoor recreation. 

DOST Region 2 Champions Youth Engagement and Gender Advocacy in VAWC Campaign Event

by Info @Brand Zone | December 10, 2025

As part of the nationwide 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), the Department of Science and Technology Region 02 successfully conducted its advocacy program “Mentoring Change: MOVE Forward to End Violence Against Women” on December 4, 2025, at the DOST R02 Conference Room. 

The event gathered a diverse audience—including representatives from partner agencies, DOST R02 staff, and a strong delegation of on-the-job trainees (OJTs) and immersion students from across Cagayan—highlighting the crucial role of youth participation in advancing gender-sensitive communities.

DOST R02 Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera opened the program with welcome remarks and an inspirational message, reaffirming the agency’s firm commitment to promoting a safer, more inclusive society for women and children. She highlighted the critical responsibility of government institutions, communities, and especially the youth in creating proactive environments that prevent violence before it begins.

The program featured two compelling lectures from expert resource speakers who shed light on the cultural and institutional dimensions of gender-based violence.

Dr. Trician Jan Taguba-Villarosa delivered a medical perspective in her talk titled

“Promoting Healthy Masculinity”, exploring how gender norms shape behavior and how redefining masculinity can contribute to reducing violence against women. Her insights emphasized the need for compassionate, non-violent expressions of manhood and early intervention through education and awareness.

Adding a law enforcement perspective, Police Staff Sergeant Mary Jane G. de Obieta of PNP Region 2 presented the Philippine National Police’s best practices under MOVE PH (Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere). Her presentation, “Championing MEN’s Involvement in Ending VAW,” showcased successful grassroots programs that position men as advocates and protectors in the campaign to end VAWC.

An open forum encouraged interactive participation, with students actively raising questions and sharing reflections on the importance of gender respect, safe spaces, and community solidarity. Their voices echoed a growing movement of youth who are ready to be changemakers in the fight against gender-based violence.

The event culminated in a Pledge of Commitment, with all attendees affirming their shared dedication to ending VAWC. Certificates of participation were awarded, acknowledging the valuable contributions of each participant.

By convening this forum, DOST Region 2 reaffirmed its role not only as a scientific and technological agency but as a community advocate for gender justice and youth empowerment. The initiative also strengthened the narrative that VAWC prevention is a collective responsibility—one that requires the collaboration of institutions, families, and especially the younger generation.

As the 18-Day Campaign continues across the country, DOST 2’s program stands as a powerful reminder: Ending violence starts with education, engagement, and empowered voices—especially those of the youth.