PHILHEALTH: READY, TSEKAP, GO!

TODAY, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) officially launches its second Nationwide Simultaneous Run which will take place on February 15, 2015 in 13 regions all over the country. The Run is among the major activities that PhilHealth is organizing, as it marks its 20th year with the theme “Ensuring Universal Coverage for All Filipinos!”

Dubbed "PhilHealth: Ready, TSeKaP, Go," the event shall endeavor to drum beat PhilHealth’s contribution to the Kalusugang Pangkalahatan agenda of the Aquino administration, and increase public awareness on the health care benefits and services that it provides to its members.

 “Proceeds of this running event shall be given to those in need, symbolizing the true essence of being a responsible government institution” – Padilla 

Today’s launch begins with a tree planting and growing activity in all 13 regions as a symbol of PhilHealth’s commitment for the preservation of the environment. It also marks the official countdown to 100 days to the February 15 Run.

The Run, which will take place in the cities of Quezon, Baguio, Dagupan, Tuguegarao, Olongapo, Lucena, Lipa, Naga, Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban, Davao and Koronadal, shall carry the theme of the primary care benefit package or ‘TSeKaP’ to instill among target participants, particularly those belonging to the vulnerable sectors of society, the importance of prevention as against costly hospitalization.

The running event is open to all Filipinos and even to non-Filipinos who are in good health condition. They can register in any of the categories, namely, 3K, 5K, 10K, or 20K. Runners may download the registration forms from run2015.philhealth.gov.ph, submit the forms to and pay their registration fees at the PhilHealth regional and local health insurance offices corresponding to their preferred run site. Those who wish to join the Quezon City and Iloilo City editions may register online through run2015.philhealth.gov.ph.

PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla emphasizes that “ the PhilHealth Run 2015 shall also be a venue for PhilHealth to showcase its selflessness as an organization, instill generosity, and welcome opportunity to share resources for the improvement of the plight of others”, adding that “since PhilHealth will celebrate its 20th anniversary in February, we want to have a declaration saying that Universal Health Care (UHC) is no longer a dream, but is now a reality for all Filipinos.’’ 

The first time that PhilHealth organized a nationwide, simultaneous run was in February 2013 which was participated in by 90,000 professional and amateur runners nationwide. “This time, we are expecting at least 60,000 runners from the 13 sites nationwide,” the PhilHealth Chief added.

Proceeds from registration fees and sponsorships will benefit at least 13 local institutions primarily catering to the vulnerable sectors of society. 

UHC advocates and interested runners may log on to run2015.philhealth.gov.ph for more details. # (Adapted News, PHILHEALTH)