by John Riel Canete
DAVAO CITY, May 23, 2025 — Strengthening inter-agency collaboration to ensure accessible and quality healthcare for all, the Department of Health (DOH) Region XI and PhilHealth Regional Office XI officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 23, 2025. Held at the DOH XI Building in Davao City, the ceremony carried the theme “Bridging Healthcare for All,” symbolizing the agencies’ united commitment to enhancing healthcare services in the region.
The event formally opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Grace D. Amistoso, Regulations, Licensing and Enforcement Division Chief of DOH XI, who emphasized the importance of partnerships in strengthening the public health system and reaching underserved communities.
Further building on this message of collaboration, Atty. Harvey L. Carcedo, Regional Vice President of PhilHealth XI, delivered a keynote message expressing appreciation for the partnership with DOH XI. He stressed that the MOA represents not just a formal agreement, but a concrete step forward in realizing the goals of Universal Health Care for every Filipino.
To provide a deeper understanding of the partnership’s scope, Jane Arneth E. Leong, Social Insurance Officer I of PhilHealth XI, presented the key provisions of the MOA. The agreement outlines the agencies’ joint commitment through several strategic areas: alignment of regional plans via a joint Technical Working Group (TWG), the implementation of collaborative health promotion activities, secure sharing of health data, and advocacy for public health programs through PhilHealth’s AKO Program.
Under the MOA, DOH-DCHD XI commits to aligning its strategies with PhilHealth to ensure a unified direction in delivering healthcare services. The department is also responsible for providing necessary data to coordinate health events effectively, authorizing Accredited Konsulta Organizations (AKOs) to ensure compliance, and facilitating the Konsulta Program by enrolling and accrediting healthcare providers across the region.
On the other hand, PhilHealth XI’s obligations include active participation in joint planning and coordination efforts, supporting health activities such as PuroKalusugan and the establishment of Wellness Centers, providing training and guidance to AKO partners, and similarly facilitating the Konsulta Program by overseeing the enrollment and accreditation of providers.
These provisions reflect a comprehensive and integrated approach to healthcare delivery, where both institutions work hand-in-hand to promote efficiency, accessibility, and patient-centered services for every Filipino in the region.
As a token of gratitude, a plaque of appreciation was presented to DOH XI in recognition of their unwavering support and partnership. This symbolic gesture further reinforced the shared values and vision that brought both agencies together in this initiative.
Adding depth to the event’s significance, Dr. Abdullah B. Dumama, Jr., MPA, CESO I, Undersecretary of Health and Concurrent Regional Director of DOH XI, delivered an inspiring message that commended the collaboration. He highlighted how such joint efforts are essential in addressing healthcare challenges and delivering more responsive services to Filipinos.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Germaine M. Tan, MPA, Chief Social Insurance Officer and OIC of PhilHealth XI’s Field Operations Division. She reiterated PhilHealth’s dedication to forging meaningful partnerships that translate into better healthcare outcomes and a healthier nation.
Serving as host for the event, Jane Arneth E. Leong gracefully tied all the segments together, ensuring a seamless and heartfelt ceremony that celebrated unity, service, and the promise of better health for all.
