MAKATI CITY — The Makati City Government received significant recognition at the Local Health System Recognition: Leadership and Governance Towards Universal Health Care event recently held on October 27, 2026, at the Richmond Hotel Ortigas. The city was cited for its documented good practices in healthcare, specifically highlighting the Makati Health Plus Program: Drug Subsidy and the Makati Community-Based Milk Bank. Beyond these programmatic citations, Makati also received a Plaque of Commendation for Exemplary Local Health Reforms, acknowledging its comprehensive efforts to strengthen local health services. The awards were accepted by Dr. Bernard T. Sese, Officer-in-Charge of the Makati Health Department, alongside Dr. Jane T. Rivero and Dr. Daniel Roldan, with Department of Health officials in attendance.
Expanding Access Through the Makati Health Plus Program
The Makati Health Plus Program, widely known through its Yellow Card initiative, has long served as a cornerstone of the city’s healthcare strategy. The program provides qualified residents and their dependents with free maintenance medications for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Beyond drug subsidies, it facilitates access to consultations, laboratory work, and hospitalization at Ospital ng Makati. The recognition at the regional event underscores the program’s role in removing financial barriers to essential medicines and ensuring that residents can manage their health without incurring prohibitive out-of-pocket costs.
Nourishing Vulnerable Infants Through the Milk Bank
The Makati Community-Based Milk Bank represents another facet of the city’s commitment to public health. As the first and only local government-operated human milk bank in the Philippines, established in 2013, it provides safe, pasteurized donor human milk to at-risk infants. The facility at the Bangkal Health Center collects, processes, and dispenses milk to newborns who cannot be breastfed directly, often due to maternal illness or prematurity. This service is particularly vital for vulnerable populations, offering a lifeline that supports infant nutrition and survival. The citation at the recognition event highlights how the city has institutionalized a specialized service that addresses a critical gap in maternal and child care.
A Model for Local Health Governance
The dual honors from the Local Health System Recognition event reflect Makati’s sustained investment in accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare. The city’s programs are not isolated interventions but part of an integrated approach that spans preventive care, treatment, and specialized support. By documenting and sharing these good practices, Makati contributes to the broader national conversation on universal health care, offering a replicable model for other local government units. The recognition serves as both validation and motivation, reinforcing the city’s commitment to delivering health services that prioritize the well-being of every resident.
