PORAC, Pampanga – Governor Lilia “Nanay” G. Pineda has expressed gratitude to President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III for the provision of 49 854 Philhealth yellow cards intended for the marginalized Kapampangan families identified under the National Household Targeting System-Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
This came as the governor continuously distributed an additional 6,242 yellow cards given by the national government in the different municipalities of the province.
It can be recalled that some 47,910 Philhealth yellow cards were distributed to 18 towns and 2 cities in the province early July, this year.
Aside from the said yellow cards given by the Aquino administration, the provincial government has also subsidized the Philhealth cards intended for the benefit of some 4,897 bantay-bayans who have no existing health insurance.
Pineda, who personally handed the health cards said, bantay-bayan who are the front liners in the maintenance of peace and order situation must be given free access to health care services to all government hospitals and discounts on private hospitals.
“Bantay-bayan members serve as force multipliers in our fight against criminality, so it is the responsibility of the provincial government to help them keep their good health and of their families,” said Pineda.
The governor added that she wants all the 10, 000 bantay bayan in the province to have their health insurance because, she believes that sound body and mind is needed in protecting the people.
She urged all of them to undergo general check-up since they can avail the health insurance services for free until the end of 2013.
“Almost 5000 of our bantay-bayan are covered with Philhealth insurance and the provincial government sponsored additional 4,897 beneficiaries. I’m asking all of them to take this opportunity to give attention and prioritize their health and physical fitness,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Condralito dela Cruz of this town lauded the support given by Gov. Pineda to his constituents.
“Aside from the health cards, Nanay (Gov. Pineda) also provided motorcycle patrol to every barangay, uniforms, flashlights and batons for our bantay bayan. She wants to provide all the health needs of the Kapampangan not only in our town but in the whole province,” dela Cruz stated.
(Jenna V. Lumbang, PIO – Pampanga)
