More than 400 individuals availed of essential healthcare services during a Labor Day initiative led by the PhilHealth Davao Regional Office (PhilHealth-Davao), marking the rollout of its mall-based clinic model in Davao City.
The activity, held at Ayala Malls Abreeza on May 1, 2026, formed part of a nationwide effort to expand access to primary healthcare by bringing services closer to where people work and spend their time. The event also served as the regional launch of Yakap Clinics under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, which aims to make healthcare delivery more convenient and accessible.
Mall-Based Clinics to Improve Access
PhilHealth officials said the initiative reflects a shift toward integrating healthcare services into everyday public spaces such as shopping malls. By doing so, the agency aims to reduce barriers to access, particularly for workers and families who may find it difficult to visit hospitals or clinics during regular hours.
The rollout in Davao coincided with similar activities across the country, signaling a broader push to strengthen primary care services through innovative and community-centered approaches.
The program was carried out in partnership with Healthway Multi-Specialty Center, an accredited Yakap clinic located within the mall, along with support from Generika Drugstore, Globe Telecom, the Department of Information and Communications Technology-Davao Region (DICT-Davao), Philippine Statistics Authority, and the Davao City local government.
Wide Range of Services Delivered
Participants, including employees, BPO workers, mall tenants, and walk-in clients, were able to access a range of health and administrative services during the event.
PhilHealth representatives said beneficiaries received initial consultations, were enrolled under the Yakap system through empanelment, and were provided access to medicines through the Gamot program. They added that the First Patient Encounter process helped formally connect patients with primary care providers for continued healthcare support.
In addition, attendees were assisted with membership registration and validation, as well as onboarding to the government's eGovPH platform. Officials noted that these services were intended to streamline access to PhilHealth benefits and improve overall user experience.
Information Drive and Community Engagement
Beyond medical services, the event also featured educational sessions to guide members through the process of availing Yakap and Gamot benefits. Organizers said these orientations aimed to increase awareness and empower beneficiaries to fully utilize available healthcare services.
PhilHealth Underscores Commitment to Workers
PhilHealth Regional Vice President Harvey L. Carcedo highlighted the significance of bringing healthcare closer to communities.
"By establishing mall-based Yakap clinics, we are transforming everyday spaces into gateways of care, bringing essential health services closer to where people live, work, and spend their time," he said.
Carcedo further conveyed that the initiative reflects PhilHealth's continued commitment to making healthcare more responsive and accessible, particularly for Filipino workers and their families.
"Through Yakap, we stand ready to support every manggagawa and every Filipino family. Because your health is our shared priority," he added.
Expanding Healthcare Reach in the Region
As of the latest data, the Davao Region has 185 accredited Yakap clinics serving more than 1.12 million registered beneficiaries. PhilHealth officials said the expansion of these facilities is part of a broader strategy to decentralize healthcare services and bring them closer to communities.
They added that the mall-based clinic model is expected to further enhance accessibility, ensuring that more Filipinos can conveniently access essential healthcare services as part of their daily routines.
