PhilHealth Region XII (Soccsksargen) held a media forum and press conference on September 7, 2026, at the Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City to present its 2026 midyear achievements and highlight expanded healthcare programs aimed at improving access for Filipino families. The morning program commenced at 9:00 AM with preliminary activities including an opening prayer and the national anthem, followed by the formal acknowledgment of participating media representatives, partners, stakeholders, and the PhilHealth team.

The central segment of the event featured the presentation of the agency’s 2026 midyear accomplishment report, outlining key performance metrics, regional coverage expansion, and progress in service delivery across Soccsksargen. This was followed by a dedicated open forum and Q&A session focused specifically on PhilHealth’s flagship YAKAP initiative and the GAMOT benefit framework. The panel of agency leaders fielding questions from the press included Regional Vice President Dr. Hector Zenon Leonardo P. Malate, Field Operations Division (FOD) Chief Lorelie G. Bonilla, and Health Care Delivery Management Division (HCDMD) Chief Dr. Lizamar P. Banatao.

During the discussion, officials elaborated on the YAKAP program’s core strategy of providing preventative care, wellness services, and community-level medical support, alongside updates on GAMOT’s role in improving patient access to essential outpatient prescription medications. Following closing remarks from the panelists, event participants joined regional leadership in a symbolic signing of the Commitment Wall and a group photo opportunity.

Key Highlights

• 2026 Midyear Accomplishments Presentation: Overview of regional accomplishments, expanded membership coverage, and progress metrics across Region XII.
• YAKAP Program Briefing: Detailed updates on preventive healthcare services, consultation coverage, and life-stage health guarantees.
• GAMOT Outpatient Medicine Benefits: Operational updates on providing beneficiaries access to essential outpatient prescription medications.
• Executive Q&A Panel: Live session featuring Regional Vice President Dr. Hector Zenon Leonardo P. Malate, FOD Chief Lorelie G. Bonilla, and HCDMD Chief Dr. Lizamar P. Banatao.
• YAKAP Community Caravan Launch: Announcement of local neighborhood caravans spearheaded by the Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO) General Santos to directly deliver consultations and member registration.
• Commitment Wall Signing: Formal pledge signing by panel members and local stakeholders to reinforce healthcare delivery commitments.

The media briefing served as the official launch pad for the YAKAP Community Caravan, managed care of LHIO General Santos, designed to bring registration, consultation, and healthcare services directly into local neighborhoods. To support these physical outreach efforts, PhilHealth Region XII highlighted its expanded digital platforms, reminding the public that online registration and payment options are fully operational via the official web portal at philhealth.gov.ph and through regional LHIO offices across the region.