LAOAG CITY, Nov. 09 — Some 10,615 indigent-families were the beneficiaries of free Philhealth insurance from the provincial government of Ilocos Norte recently. Governor Imee Marcos distributed the health cards during ceremonies held at the Marcos Stadium in Laoag City.
According to Lilian Rin, provincial social welfare and development officer, the beneficiaries are “regular indigents” identified by the local social welfare office based on the National Household Targetting System for Poverty Reduction. “The recipients are former beneficiaries. The health insurance is just a renewal because their cards are about to expire,” Rin said.
The beneficiaries are from the 2 cities and 12 towns of the province, namely: Laoag City, Batac City, Banna, Dumalneg, Marcos, Currimao, Paoay, Adams, Burgos, Carasi, Pagudpud, San Nicolas, Sarrat and Solsona.
The provincial government shares with the national government in paying the premium of the health insurance to secure the health needs of the families. The percentage, however, depends on the class of local government unit.
“Governor Imee wants to give free Philhealth insurance to more indigents in the province,” Rin said. (ANL/CPC-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)
