QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Long-distance bus travel is about to get healthier as the PhilHealth Regional Office National Capital Region (PRO NCR) officially teams up with Bicol Isarog Transport System, Inc. (BITSI) through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding. This nationwide-first style of public-private collaboration bridges transit and healthcare, making it effortless for everyday commuters to learn about and access their PhilHealth benefits while on the move.
PhilHealth International and Local Engagement Department Acting Senior Manager Nadine B. Navarro, PRO NCR and Rizal Vice President Dr. Bernadette C. Lico, BITSI President Geraldo D. Abano, BITSI Office of the Strategic Management AVP Head Michael Angelo Villanueva
Through this partnership, Bicol Isarog’s vast network of buses and terminals will serve as dynamic platforms for healthcare awareness. Passengers heading to their destinations can now catch informative health clips on in-bus entertainment screens, read quick program guides on seatback displays, and receive assistance directly at dedicated YAKAP information desks set up inside bus terminals during peak holiday travel periods like Holy Week, All Souls' Day, and Christmas.
The initiative aims to make healthcare education a seamless part of daily life. By turning idle travel time into an opportunity for wellness, commuters can easily discover how to enroll for free primary checkups, diagnostic tests, and essential maintenance medicines covered under PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP).
Highlighting the vision behind this partnership, Dr. Bernadette C. Lico, Vice President of PRO NCR, emphasized the organization's commitment to passenger health:
"Healthcare should never be out of reach or out of mind, even while traveling. Bicol Isarog has shown true heart and leadership by putting the well-being of every passenger first, making sure that genuine care follows them on every journey. We are opening our doors to all bus lines across the region to partner with PRO NCR so that, together, we can build a healthier, more protected Philippines, one ride at a time."
Echoing this enthusiasm, Mr. Jerry Geraldo D. Abaño, President of Bicol Isarog Transport System, Inc., expressed his gratitude for the milestone partnership and urged fellow transport leaders to support the movement:
"I would like to thank PhilHealth NCR for this collaboration with Bicol Isarog. I am strongly encouraging other bus companies and organizations to also join and become part of this PhilHealth initiative for the benefit of our traveling public."
PRO NCR and Rizal warmly invites other transport providers and bus companies to join this growing movement. By partnering with PRO NCR and Rizal at zero added operational cost, transport leaders can elevate their passenger experience, turn their terminals into valuable public service hubs, and play a direct role in keeping millions of Filipino travelers healthy and protected.
