CEBU — Governor Pamela Baricuatro formalized partnerships with 11 private hospitals and two pharmacy networks on August 14, 2026, aiming to make the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program faster and more accessible for residents facing medical emergencies.
A Faster Path to Care
The AICS program provides temporary support to underprivileged Cebuanos for hospitalization, medical expenses, burial and transportation costs, education needs, food assistance, and psychosocial support. It is administered by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and operates separately from the national AICS program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan said the direction is clear: better service, more efficient processing, and faster assistance. He is tasked by Governor Baricuatro to oversee health reforms within the administration. The new partnerships are a central part of that mission to bring government aid closer to people quickly.
Partner Institutions and Direct Billing
The 11 partner hospitals include AppleOne-Visayas Medical Center, St. Vincent General Hospital, University of Cebu Medical Center, Mendero Medical Center, and Mactan Doctors Hospital. Also part of the network are Deiparine Community Hospital, Cebu Velez General Hospital, Cebu North General Hospital, and Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital.
Chong Hua Hospital Main and Mandaue and Cebu South General Hospital complete the list. The two partner pharmacies are 24 Aid Medical Corp. and Bing Pharmacy. This broad network means patients can receive services without waiting for lengthy approval processes.
Why This Reform Matters
Previously, indigent constituents requesting provincial medical financial aid endured up to a month or longer for reimbursement check processing. Public provincial hospitals can become overcrowded or lack specialized diagnostic machinery. Partnering with private institutions ensures patients get immediate life-saving procedures, such as specialized surgeries, CT scans, or emergency ICU care.
Patients previously had to pay cash upfront and apply for reimbursement. Under the new Guarantee Letter system, partner facilities bill the Capitol directly. This prevents out-of-pocket expenses and removes a major barrier for families already burdened by medical crises.
How the Program Works
A patient in medical crisis submits basic documentation to the PSWDO or designated Capitol health desks. A registered social worker reviews the case and uses digital verification tools to prevent double-claiming or delays. Upon approval, the Capitol issues an official Guarantee Letter specifying the covered monetary amount.
The patient presents the Guarantee Letter to any of the 11 partner hospitals or two pharmacies. The facility deducts the amount from the patient's bill and settles accounts directly with the Cebu Provincial Government. The province is also introducing digital verification measures to cut the time from filing requests to releasing assistance.
A Broader Health Overhaul
This public-private partnership is part of a broader health overhaul under Governor Baricuatro's administration. Parallel improvements are underway across the Capitol's 16 provincial and district hospitals, including medicine supply management and ongoing facility repairs. The province recently secured ₱265 million in national funding to further strengthen local health infrastructure and agricultural resilience.
