CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A regional official from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is calling on all residents to enroll in the government’s YAKAP health program to access free medical coverage before health emergencies occur.

PhilHealth Northern Mindanao acting regional vice president Henry V. Almanon urged the public to take immediate action, advising residents not to wait until they fall ill before securing coverage under the Yaman ng Kalusugan program.

The YAKAP initiative offers free primary care services, including consultations, diagnostic tests, health screenings and essential medicines.

To access these benefits, residents must follow a four-step process starting with securing or confirming a PhilHealth Identification Number. Registration can be completed online through the PhilHealth Member Portal or in person at any local health insurance office.

After obtaining an ID number, members must enroll in the YAKAP program and select a preferred accredited clinic as their primary care provider.