CEBU CITY — Governor Pamela Baricuatro has renewed her commitment to making healthcare a right for every Cebuano, unveiling a sweeping reform agenda backed by a PHP 4.18 billion budget for 2026. The announcement came during the third day of the 2026 Provincial Health Leadership Development Program.
A PHP 4.18 Billion Commitment
The governor emphasized that the province needs to modernize hospitals, integrate health systems, invest in health workers, and use technology to make care faster and more efficient. The budget covers the operation of 16 Capitol‑run hospitals, infrastructure upgrades, and the acquisition of modern medical equipment. Since assuming office, she has prioritized hiring more doctors, nurses, and support staff.
The funding also supports the repair and rehabilitation of aging provincial health facilities. Baricuatro said her vision is a province‑wide system that provides affordable, responsive, and quality care regardless of where people live. The reforms are designed to address long‑standing inequities in Cebu’s public healthcare network.
Yakap and Gamot Programs
A key component of the reform is the full accreditation of all 65 primary care facilities and Capitol hospitals under PhilHealth’s Yakap initiative. Through this program, Cebuanos gain access to free primary consultations, diagnostic laboratory work, and preventive health checks. The program aims to reduce out‑of‑pocket expenses that often deter low‑income families from seeking timely medical attention.
Complementing Yakap is the Gamot program, which provides up to PHP 20,000 worth of free outpatient maintenance medications annually. This covers chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma. Baricuatro said these initiatives are critical to ensuring that no Cebuano has to choose between buying medicine and putting food on the table.
Digital Health Integration
To improve efficiency and patient tracking, the province is enforcing the full implementation of iClinicSys across all rural health units. The electronic medical records platform standardizes data sharing, referrals, and medical histories. Administrative guidelines were also established to govern DOH grants under the Special Health Fund.
The digital shift is expected to reduce paperwork, minimize errors, and allow healthcare providers to access patient information seamlessly. Baricuatro noted that technology will help make healthcare faster and more responsive to community needs. The integration aligns with the broader goals of the Universal Health Care Act.
Investing in Health Workers
Recognizing that infrastructure alone cannot deliver quality care, the Capitol has hired additional doctors, nurses, and frontline staff. The province has also signed agreements with Cebu Normal University and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center to create free medical scholarships bound by return‑service agreements. A residency training program in family medicine allows government doctors to specialize without leaving their posts.
These workforce investments aim to address the shortage of medical professionals in rural areas. Baricuatro stressed that strengthening the health workforce is essential to sustaining long‑term reforms. The goal is to create a pipeline of skilled professionals committed to serving Cebuano communities.
Regional Cooperation
The three‑day workshop was organized by the Zuellig Foundation, the Department of Health, and the Cebu Provincial Government. It brought together officials from Cebu and Bohol, led by Governor Aristotle Aumentado, along with representatives from PhilHealth, DOH Central Visayas, and various universities. The event aimed to strengthen leadership capacity and enhance regional cooperation for universal healthcare.
Baricuatro’s presentation underscored her administration’s commitment to turning policy into tangible improvements at the barangay level. With Bohol and Cebu aligned under shared strategies, Central Visayas is positioning itself as a model for the full realization of universal healthcare in the Philippines.
