Nearly 200 fisherfolk and their families in a coastal barangay in Aurora province have received vital primary healthcare services, courtesy of a recent outreach caravan organized by the state health insurer.
Healthcare Reaches Coastal Community
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) brought its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) Caravan to Barangay Zabali in Baler, Aurora. The initiative specifically targeted residents whose livelihoods and well-being were severely disrupted by Tropical Cyclone Uwan in 2025.
This mobile healthcare mission provided a comprehensive suite of services to the beneficiaries right in their community. The offerings included:
- Free medical consultations with health professionals.
- Distribution of essential medicines.
- Preventive health guidance and education.
- Necessary referrals to higher-level medical facilities for further care.
Sustained Effort Across Aurora Province
Beyond immediate medical aid, PhilHealth also extended humanitarian support by distributing food and clothing to families still recovering from the effects of previous super typhoons.
The event in Zabali is part of a much larger, sustained effort by the agency. PhilHealth has already conducted 25 YAKAP caravans across the province of Aurora. Through partnerships with 16 healthcare providers, these caravans have made a significant impact, benefiting a total of 73,160 individuals to date.
Strengthening Grassroots Health Systems
PhilHealth emphasized that the YAKAP Caravan is a strategic component of the government's push to widen access to basic health services. The program simultaneously works to increase community awareness of the various healthcare programs available through PhilHealth.
"The YAKAP Caravan supports government efforts to expand access to primary healthcare while strengthening awareness of PhilHealth programs," the agency stated. "Through this holistic approach, we address the health needs of fisherfolk while engaging barangay officials and community leaders."
This community-based model ensures that healthcare delivery is not only brought directly to vulnerable populations but also fosters stronger collaboration between national health agencies and local government units for more resilient health systems.
