Baguio City Advance Universal Health Plans
Insights from the Field | by Krizzia Esperanza
Baguio City is moving closer to making Universal Health Care (UHC) a reality.
Dr. Catherine Chung, Local Health Systems Director at Zuellig Family Foundation’s (ZFF) Director, noted that the city has nearly completed the accreditation of all its district health centers under PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP). Only two centers remain, while the city is also improving its electronic medical records and preparing to operationalize contracts with three private hospitals. These steps, she said, put Baguio in a strong position to shift toward a mixed health provider network that uses both public and private facilities.
These insights came during the Executive Session for Mayor Benjamin “Benjie” Magalong on August 12, 2025, organized by ZFF through its Bayang Malusog Leadership and Governance Program.
City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes laid out Baguio’s roadmap to UHC. PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado shared updates on YAKAP and advised the city to prepare solid contracting rules, clear fund-sharing arrangements, and even explore public-private partnership models. Austere Panadero, ZFF President and Executive Director, reminded the group of the urgency of their shared task, stressing: “We need to reach more, serve more. We need to prepare the system.” The Department of Health (DOH)-CAR also committed its full support.
Dr. Chung underscored that while Baguio is ahead, the transition will not be easy. Building a mixed-provider network demands strong governance, especially in handling contracts and finances. There is a need for local accountability systems to ensure that health funds are used properly and transparently. At the same time, she affirmed that Baguio has the right building blocks—committed leadership, technical support from PhilHealth and DOH, and active collaboration with partners.
With these efforts, Baguio City is showing that local governments can lead the way in building a health system that truly works for every resident.
