Pampanga State University (Pampanga State U) is the first university under the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) category to be accredited as a YAKAP provider by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Central Luzon Regional Office.

Aiming to deliver comprehensive and accessible primary health care to students, faculty, and staff, Pampanga State U signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PhilHealth and received its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) accreditation at the University Hostel last August 29, 2025.

Through the Health Services Unit under the Office of Student Welfare and Formation (OSWF), led by Director Plato B. Mercado, the program will provide preventive health services, medical consultations, diagnostics, and essential medicines, while also generating income for the University through PhilHealth reimbursements.

“The Yaman ng Kalusugan Program is a testament to the meaningful collaboration between government institutions and academic communities. It reflects our shared vision of bringing essential public services closer to our Honorians and their families,” said Dr. Dolores T. Quiambao, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, in her message.

She also expressed her gratitude to the partner agencies, underscoring the significance of the initiative in promoting the health and well-being of both students and staff.

“Malaki po ang relationship ng poverty at health care cost. ‘Yun po ang ating ina-address ngayon. Kasi po ang isang nasa borderline ng poverty line na naka-angat ng konti ay swerte po siya,” said Henry B. Almanon, Acting Vice President of PhilHealth.

Representing Pampanga State U alongside Dr. Dolores T. Quiambao, Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, and Dr. Plato B. Mercado, Director of the Office of Student Welfare and Formation, were Dr. Enrique G. Baking, University President; Engr. Reden M. Hernandez, Executive Vice President and concurrent Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Administration and Finance; Dr. Ranie B. Canlas, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Training, and Extension; Hon. Missy Ruela Cortez, University Student Council President; and Dr. Reynaldo S. Alipio, University Physician.

The Administrative Council members and students from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program likewise joined the activity.

Meanwhile, PhilHealth was represented by Dr. Rowena S. Zabat-San Mateo; Elizabeth Banting-Capuli, Chief of the Local Health Insurance Office; and other PhilHealth staff, together with Almanon.

“With the expansion of the PhilHealth Konsulta, kaya po siya tinawag na YAKAP because we are expanding to a more, mas marami po mga gamot and services which would include 75 na po ang magiging medicines. So, yung dating 21 po, madadagdagan siya ng 54 essential medicines. Kaya po pinalawak siya,” Banting-Capuli explained.

Furthermore, Secretary Ernesto V. Perez, Director General of the Anti-Red Tape Authority, commended Dr. Baking for his leadership in supporting innovative initiatives such as the YAKAP Center.

“Earlier, I was talking—perhaps even joking—with Dr. Baking. Today, we are launching the YAKAP Center in the University. Tomorrow, perhaps, we may be launching the first-ever YAKAP Medical Center. And that is a possibility,” Perez remarked.

Photo credits: Public and Media Affairs Unit

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