PhilHealth sets nationwide run to promote services

Blind group is Baguio beneficiary

by Magnolia G. del Rosario

BAGUIO CITY -- Following the success of the 2013 run where a total net proceeds of P1,149,524 was generated for the Baguio Leg alone, that benefited numerous critically ailing kids, PhilHealthwill once again hold a nationwide, simultaneous run today (Feb. 15) in  13 sites nationwide to promote services of the country’s premier health insurance provider.

The run, highlighting  PhilHealth’s celebration of its 20th year this February, is envisioned to generate public awareness about the health care benefits that each and every member is entitled to, and how these may be availed of.

The run’s carrier theme is the primary care benefit package or

‘TSeKaP’ (Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya) to instill among target participants, particularly those in the vulnerable sectors of society, importance of preparing against costly hospitalization.

Thus, the run is dubbed "PhilHealth: Ready, TSeKaP, Go!"

Inspired by support in last year’s run, this year’s race hopes to similarly promote value of paying health services, sharing one’s blessings to those who are in need and sharing one’s resources for improvement of plight of others.

This year’s beneficiary for the Baguio Leg is the Northern Luzon Association for the Blind, Inc. located along Bokawkan  Road, Baguio City.

The proceeds are aimed at augmenting the educational needs of the NLAB that houses many visually impaired kids from many parts of the region.

The 13 key cities in the country that will take part in the run namely Dagupan, Tuguegaro, Subic, Lucena, Lipa, Naga, Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban, Davao, Koronadal, Quezon City including the City of Pines are targeting 60,000 running enthusiasts to race in 3, 5,10 and 20 KM race distances.

Starting and finishing at the Baguio Convention Center, the Baguio race will include a singlet, race bib, map, finisher’s certificate for all race categories with the 20K runners to also receive a finisher’s medal.

Registration Fees are pegged at P250 for 3K, P300 for 5K, P350 for 10K and P450 for the 20K. Discounts for Senior Citizens and Persons with disability shall also be applied.

The first three winners per category for the men and women will each receive cash prizes in the amount of

P10,000;P6,000;P4,000 for 20K, P8,000;P4,000;P3,000 for 10K; P5,000;P3,000;P2,000for 5K and P3,000; P2,000; P1,000 for 3K.

Interested parties may register at the PhilHealth Regional Office along Leonard Wood Road, and they may look for Ms. Marlene Junio or Jay Torreliza or they may call tel. no. 444-5345 or visit www.philhealth.gov.ph for more details. Registration Forms are also available through the guard at Laperal Building along Session Road, Baguio City.

All of the participating PhilHealth regional offices identified beneficiary institutions that primarily cater to the vulnerable sectors of society.

Among these are the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Other Special Cases (GRACES) in Quezon City; the Amor Village, Home for Girls, and Gerona Office of Differently Abled Persons (GODAP) in Tarlac; MuntingTahananng Nazareth in Mabalacat, Pampanga; Naga Children’s Home in Naga City; The Haven in Dagupan and Iloilo; MgaKaibiganngmgaKabataang may Kanser (KKK) in Iloilo; Gift of Life Project in Cebu; SOS Children’s Village Kinship Program in Tacloban and SOS Children’s Village in Davao City; the Home for Girls in Koronadal and Bahayni Maria Foundation, Inc. in Cotabato City.

GRACES is a residential care facility that provides temporary shelter to the elderly. The center houses about 148 residents who were endorsed by the Local Government Units, some abandoned in the hospitals, others rescued from the streets and some left by their families. GRACES is being managed by the DSWD – NCR.

Amor Village Tarlac is a 24-hour residential care facility that serves as home for children with special needs that were abandoned, abused and neglected by their own families. It is a world-class facility that provides children with access to various services for recovery, rehabilitation and development.

Home for Girls Tarlac/Gerona Office of Differently Abled Persons have child caring facilities that provide protection, care, treatment and rehabilitation services to abused and exploited girls below 18 years old, while MuntingTahananng Nazareth is a home and shelter for the poor, surrendered and abandoned, mentally challenged, autistic, epileptic children, and people with special needs.

Naga City Children’s Home is a halfway house for orphans, abandoned and children in conflict with the law. The children’s home is co-managed by the Naga City Government and the DSWD.

The Haven is a DSWD shelter in Regions 1 and 6 that accommodates women who are victims of abuse while Mga Kaibigan ng Kabataang May Kanser is an organization providing financial assistance to children afflicted with cancer.

In partnership with other non-government organizations, the Gift of Life Projectendeavors to provide free medical services to Filipino children suffering from congenital diseases and other similar or allied illnesses.

On the other hand, the SOS Children’s Village Kinship Program has about 120 kids who became orphans after Super typhoon Yolanda hit Tacloban. The proceeds from the run will be used to support the orphaned minors who are based in the community with their nearest relative.

The Home for Girls in Koronadal City caters to vulnerable girls and victims of child abuse, neglect and exploitation. The facility is a temporary shelter for those who are endangered or in life-threatening situations and in need of care and rehabilitation.

Finally, the Bahay ni Maria Foundation, Inc. is a home for the aged and sick women located in Cotabato City.

Bring your family and friends to any of the 13 sites nationwide and join the 2015 PhilHealth Run on February 15, 2015. It’s never too late to help and register. Log on to run2015.philhealth.gov.ph.

The Run is being supported by People’s Television Network, Inc., Pfizer Philippines, Nine Media Corporation, Tupperware Philippines, Oishi and Smart Communications, will be held in 13 sites nationwide, namely in the cities of Quezon, Baguio, Dagupan, Tuguegarao, Naga, Lipa, Lucena, Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban, Davao and Koronadal, as well as in Subic.