President Marcos Advances Access to Quality Health Care as PhilHealth–St. Luke’s Formalize Landmark Partnership

by Info @Brand Zone | August 26, 2026

Photo: PR No. 2026-22 / August 25, 2026

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. advances efforts to expand access to quality health care as  PhilHealth and St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City formalize a partnership through a  Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), with the Department of Health (DOH) and Department  of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), supporting the initiative. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., DOH Secretary Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, and DSWD Secretary  Rex Gatchalian graced the signing ceremony with PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr.  Beverly Lorraine C. Ho and St. Luke’s Medical Center President and CEO Dr. Dennis P.  Serrano. 

In his key address, President Marcos Jr. underscored the critical role of public-private  partnerships in expanding access to healthcare. He noted that stronger partnerships with  private institutions like St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City help ensure Filipinos have  access to world-class medical care under PhilHealth’s No Co-Pay policy for basic  accommodation. 

“Walang pinipiling tao ang sakit. Anyone can suddenly face the medical emergency that  requires immediate treatment or specialized care. This administration remains committed  to making quality health care accessible and affordable to more Filipinos. Malinaw ang ating  hangarin, hindi dapat maging hadlang ang kakulangan sa pera para makakuha ng  kinakailangang atensiyong medikal," President Marcos Jr. expressed. 

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The agreement will facilitate collaboration on key healthcare reforms, the establishment of  performance-based incentive systems for healthcare providers, and the support of evidence based policymaking and research. In addition, St. Luke’s — Global City will maintain at least  ten percent (10%) of its total bed capacity as basic or ward accommodation, enabling access to  the hospital’s advanced medical services with zero co-payment for eligible members and  covered cases and services. 

“The Universal Health Care Act guarantees every Filipino immediate eligibility and access to  necessary care whenever they need it. On our end, PhilHealth will ensure that shared  commitments are not just admirable but sustainable through clearer benchmarks,  recognition of efficiency, and appropriate payment design as intended by the UHC Act,” said Dr. Ho. 

Meanwhile Dr. Serrano stated, “We recognize the vital role that PhilHealth plays in providing  financial protection and expanding access to healthcare. By working together, we can help 

eligible patients better understand and maximize their benefits while making their  healthcare journey more seamless and responsive.” 

The collaboration reflects a growing role for public-private partnerships in shaping healthcare  reforms, with both institutions working toward practical solutions that strengthen the National  Health Insurance Program and improve the delivery of health services.