PhilHealth, DepEd agree to improve student healthcare

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and the Department of Education (DepEd) recently signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance access to healthcare among public school students.

Under the agreement, DepEd will facilitate PhilHealth registration for learners, turning schools into health-promoting environments and school clinics into primary care providers.

PhilHealth will also help register students and their families with Konsulta Package Providers, enabling access to essential health services.

The agreement will also make sure that all enrolled learners are properly registered with PhilHealth, affordable and quality health services will become more accessible to children.

PhilHealth acting President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado emphasized the long-term benefits of fostering healthier, health-conscious youth.

DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara also highlighted the initiative's alignment with the Universal Health Care Law and the importance of public trust in healthcare services.

This partnership, PhilHealth said reflects the government’s broader commitment to Universal Health Care and improving the health outcomes of Filipino families

“The future of this landmark partnership offers is one with healthier children that will transition to adults with better health-seeking behavior,” said Mercado.

Mercado added that this strategic shift towards preventive care for students also aims to improve overall learning and productivity with lesser absences and lower medical costs for children with chronic conditions.

“This is what we envisioned when we passed the Universal Health Care. Importante ay may tiwala ang tao na makakakuha sila ng serbisyo,” said Angara.

PhilHealth said that this partnership supports the government’s broader goal of achieving Universal Health Care.

“By ensuring that our children receive accessible and quality healthcare, we lay the foundation for a healthier, more resilient Filipino population,” PhilHealth further said.