Health sciences student power! Empowering health equity in Gawad Kalinga Blue Eagle Village by bringing PhilHealth Insurance closer

On 20 January 2024, seven senior year students from Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences of Ateneo de Manila University, consisting of Allyn Alvarez, Daryl Briones, Loreeze Eralino, Zhairrah Lambojon, Gayle Miranda, Loren Padua, and Chloe Sio, conducted a student-led program that aimed to increase the PhilHealth insurance literacy and registration rates of the residents in Gawad Kalinga (GK) Blue Eagle Village in Barangay Payatas, Quezon City. The ideation of the project was done as a partial fulfillment of their HSCI 100.2 and 100.3 courses but together with their advocacy for achieving health equity through strengthening health financing systems, the project became even more meaningful.

The program was divided into four parts—a seminar that tackled the recent changes with the PhilHealth law as brought about by the Universal Health Care Act; an open forum that answered the questions and concerns of the villagers; registration booths opened for those who are yet registered with PhilHealth or have concerns not limited to updating their information; and a raffle draw.

The selection of GK Blue Eagle Village as the project site stemmed from the students’ prior engagement with GK during their NSTP course. Recognizing the organization’s extensive presence in various cities across Metro Manila, the students found a fitting partner in GK. With their background in Health Sciences, the students focused on PhilHealth as the focal point of their intervention. They sought to clarify PhilHealth processes, particularly in light of the recent Universal Health Care Act, which mandates the automatic enrollment of Filipino citizens in the national health insurance program. Through an initial survey within the village, the students identified a gap in PhilHealth awareness and utilization; hence, the initiative was crafted to fruition.

The students collaborated closely with GK Ateneo, PhilHealth Quezon City, GK Blue Eagle Village street leaders, and Biomedpro Pharmaceuticals. Recognizing the significance of expertise and credibility, the students established a collaboration with PhilHealth. They leveraged the agency’s knowledge and resources to maximize the project’s impact. Through the sponsorship by Biomedpro Pharmaceuticals, boxes of essential medicines and vitamins were donated to the community through their street leaders. 

The culmination of the program yielded favorable results. In the seminar phase, the attendance exceeded the target of at least 30% of the village's population as attendees. Over 90 residents participated in the seminar, constituting approximately 45% of the village population. This positive turnout indicated the community’s receptiveness to initiatives aimed at enhancing health literacy and access to healthcare resources. 

Most importantly, the project achieved its objective of facilitating PhilHealth registration and updating processes. Of the attendees, 39 residents were already registered, while an additional 51 either updated their PhilHealth information or signed up for new memberships. All 51 applicants underwent successful processing and received their PhilHealth cards.  

With the increased registration rates—and potentially enhanced PhilHealth insurance literacy—in GK Blue Eagle Village, the student-led program effectively showcases the effectiveness of grassroots initiatives and collaborative community efforts in empowering health equity.

Photos courtesy of the Health Sciences students