In a significant move to safeguard the well-being of the clergy, a new decade-long healthcare initiative has been launched in Cebu. The LH Foundation Inc., the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu, and Clinica Prime Cebu Inc. have formally entered into a partnership to deliver comprehensive primary healthcare services to priests.
A Decade of Dedicated Healthcare Support
The collaboration, sealed through a memorandum of agreement, establishes the Lim Liu Medical Charity Program as a vital support system for the health of Cebu's priests. The core objective is to ensure their long-term wellness by facilitating access to preventive care, enabling early detection of potential health issues, and instituting a system of regular health monitoring.
During the signing ceremony, officials from the LH Foundation emphasized the critical importance of primary care in managing chronic health risks and sustaining overall health. The discussions prominently featured preventive strategies and consistent medical check-ups as foundational elements for effective healthcare delivery to the religious community.
Package Details and PhilHealth Integration
The program outlines a concrete and generous commitment. For the next 10 years, the LH Foundation will sponsor an annual PrimePlus Silver Package at Clinica Prime Cebu for every priest under the Archdiocese of Cebu. This package is designed to cover essential primary care services.
Beyond the sponsored package, the foundation and Clinica Prime Cebu will provide assistance to participating priests in accessing the government's PhilHealth Yakap/Gamot Program. This integration aims to supplement their care with additional services and provide access to essential medications, creating a more robust healthcare safety net.
Honoring a Legacy of Philanthropy
The LH Foundation is the charitable arm of LH Paragon Inc., a company established in 1964 by the late Leo Lim Liu and Norma Liu. In recognition of their philanthropic work, both were honored by Pope Benedict XVI with the titles of Knight and Dame of the Order of St. Sylvester.
Marking its 60th anniversary in 2024, the LH Paragon Group introduced two major programs: the Norma Liu Religious Formation Program and the Lim Liu Medical Charity Program. While the religious formation program is now in its second year, 2025 marks the inaugural year for the medical charity initiative.
This healthcare program was specifically launched to honor the memory of Leo Lim Liu, who was a known advocate for improving healthcare access for marginalized and underserved communities across Cebu and other regions. The program directly continues his mission by ensuring that those who serve the community are also cared for.
The partnership stands as a model for private and religious sector collaboration, addressing the often-overlooked health needs of the clergy. By investing in preventive care and long-term health monitoring, the initiative aims to ensure that Cebu's priests can continue their spiritual and community work with sustained vitality and well-being for years to come.
