Koronadal City (23 October) -- Because of the 87% enrolment of indigents under Philhealth's Sponsored Program as of September 30, 2009, PHilhealth XII recognized the Local Chief Executives and private sponsors for their contribution to the Regional accomplishment.

"As we are about to celebrate our 15th anniversary on February 14, 2010, fifteen years after the National Health Insurance Program was implemented, it is only but fitting that we recognize the sponsors and other stakeholders who had been supportive to Philhealth," Regional Vice President Ramon F. Aristoza, Jr. said.

Plaques of appreciation were given to Gov. Jesus Sacdalan of North Cotabato for sponsoring 50,744 indigents followed by Gov. Miguel Rene A. Miguel Dominguez of Sarangani for enrolling 24,946, Gov. Suharto T. Mangudadatu of Sultan Kudarat for 12,037 enrolment, Cong. Arthur Y. Pingoy of the Second District of South Cotabato for 7,683 and others: Mayor Isidro Lumayag of Polomolok, Mayor Cristobal Cadungon of Antipas, Mayor Rodulfo Y. Gantuangco of Kidapawan, Mayor Lino O. Montilla of Tacurong, Mayor Efren F. Piñol, Sr of Magpet, and Mayor Diosdado Pallasigue of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

"On behalf of the provincial government of North Cotabato, may I say, being the President and CEO of Cotabato Health Insurance Program that we have sponsored beyond the target set by Philhealth not for the recognition but for the fact that we understand the health care needs of our people," Dr. Venancio Ang said.

South Cotabato lag behind because of less than 50% benefit availment of its previous beneficiaries but Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes assured that her support to Philhealth for 2010 will contribute to the over all accomplishment of Region XII.

Other partners like Mayor Betty Aliasis of Banisilan received the same appreciation being the first LGU accredited as collecting agent effective December 1, 2009.

Philhealth XII also recognized the Integrated Cooperative Towards Unified Services (ICTUS) being the first KASAPI (Kalusugan Sigurado at Abot Kaya sa PHilhealth) partner which started its enrolment and remittance of contribution last 3rd quarter 2009.

"The government and private employers who had been consistent in remitting their contribution and submitting their quarterly report also deserve our appreciation," Dr. Miriam Grace G. Pamonag, head of the Field Operations Division added.

Recipients from the government sector were the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, City Government of Gen. Santos, Department of Education Region XII and ARMM and the Office of the Regional Governor – ARMM.

SUMIFRU Philippines based in Antipas led the private sector followed by MINRICO Lumber Enterprises Co. Inc., DOLE Philippines, Inc., Mapantig Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi Purpose Cooperative, SUMIFRU-T'boli, La Frutera Inc, and Paglas Employment Inc.

South Cotabato, being the leading institution in the enrolment of all job – order personnel under the Individually Paying Program together with the Alternative Network Resources Unlimited Multi Purpose Cooperative and South Cotabato Foundation, Inc. received the same appreciation.

Prior to the recognition was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with LGU Banisilan as the first LGU accredited collecting agent followed by another signing with ICTUS (Integrated Cooperative Towards Unified Services), SRT Surallah Cooperative of South Cotabato and Molarbe Cooperative for enrolling their respective members as self-employed under the organized group program.

Ms Kristine Surdao, Philhealth XII employee who has registered the highest number of new Philhealth members during the promo period July – September received the same Certificate of Appreciation.

After said recognition, the Public Affairs Unit conducted a press conference with the local media and information officers of the government and private sectors in the area.

Atty. Rey A. Capangapangan, Philhealth's Mindanao Area Vice President assured the members' security against the undying issue on the corporation's financial viability.