In a move to bolster health protection for millions of Filipino learners, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Education (DepEd) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 8 May 2025, forging a partnership to expand health coverage for all enrolled public school students nationwide.
The signing took place at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City and is aligned with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s directive to make government services, including healthcare, more accessible to learners and school personnel across the country.
Under the MOU, DepEd will facilitate the registration of all public school students with PhilHealth, ensuring that learners can access affordable and quality health services. The agreement also designates school clinics as primary care providers and reinforces the concept of health-promoting schools.
PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado emphasized the long-term benefits of this partnership.
“The future this landmark partnership offers is one with healthier children that will transition to adults with better health-seeking behavior,” he said.
He added that focusing on preventive care will help reduce absenteeism and lower medical costs for children with chronic health issues.
The collaboration also extends to families of learners, who will be linked to Konsulta Package Providers. This means entire households can benefit from access to primary care services under PhilHealth.
DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo "Sonny" M. Angara underscored the initiative’s alignment with the Universal Health Care Law.
“This is what we envisioned when we passed the Universal Health Care. Importante ay may tiwala ang tao na makakakuha sila ng serbisyo.” Angara said.
The joint effort reflects the government's broader commitment to inclusive health care and improving the overall well-being of Filipino families, starting with children in the public education system.