INDIGENOUS Peoples (IP) from the Ati, Badjao, and Eskaya communities in Bohol are being equipped to promote health care awareness in their respective communities through the Social Health Insurance Education Series (SHInES) held on October 13–15, 2026, at Reyna’s Haven and Gardens in Tagbilaran City.
The three-day activity aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), Universal Health Care (UHC), and PhilHealth programs and services, enabling them to become effective advocates who can share accurate health insurance information with fellow Indigenous Peoples.
Facilitated by the PhilHealth Social Health Insurance Academy, in coordination with PhilHealth Regional Office VII’s Local Health Insurance Offices (LHIOs) in Talibon and Tagbilaran, the activity covered the history of the NHIP, the importance of paying PhilHealth contributions, and the various inpatient, outpatient, and primary care benefits available to members, including special benefit packages and Z Benefits.
Discussions also highlighted PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), which provides preventive health services such as medical consultations, laboratory tests, cancer screening, and access to medicines to help members detect health risks early and prevent serious illnesses.
IP’s Mandatory Representative Naning Bagotsay of the Eskaya Indigenous Cultural Community in Taytay, Duero, said the program provided valuable information on health benefits that IP families, particularly those living in upland communities, can access.
“Dako ako ug pasalamat sa programa sa PhilHealth YAKAP, labi na namo nga mga indigent nga nagpuyo sa kinabukiran. Karon, nahibaw-an na namo nga aduna diay dakong tabang ang maong programa,” Bagotsay said.
She also expressed happiness that IPs were included in the initiative and recognized the importance of bringing the information back to their communities.
“Paningkamutan nako nga isip tingog sa among komunidad, akong masangyaw sa akong mga tagi-barangay ang mga kaayohan sa PhilHealth YAKAP Program,” she added.
On the third day, participants demonstrated their learning through teaching sessions, sharing what they learned to prepare them to serve as PhilHealth advocates in their respective communities.
DYTR radio anchor Gina Panio, PhD; Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bohol Government Information Center Coordinator Rey Anthony Chiui; PIA Bohol Information Development Officer Elvie Bongosia; and a representative from the Provincial Information and Media Office (PIMO) witnessed the sessions.
The initiative supports the Provincial Government of Bohol’s commitment to responsive and inclusive public service under Gov. Aris Aumentado’s Strategic Governance Roadmap, advancing the vision of a smart, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Bohol.
The activity also promotes equitable access to health information, empowers Indigenous communities to participate in public health initiatives, and advances community welfare and sustainable development as the Philippines’ first and only UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/ARB)
