PhilHealth: Bigger and Better Benefits for Filipinos

PhilHealth benefits are expanding rapidly! Starting February 14, 2024, benefits for over 9,000 illnesses and surgeries have been increased by 30% in PhilHealth-accredited health facilities nationwide. This is one of the steps PhilHealth is taking to improve the quality of healthcare Filipinos receive and ensure more people can avail of these benefits.

Here are some of the expanded and new benefits PhilHealth offers:

• Increased Circular Package Rates: Rates for Circular Packages have gone up by 30%, meaning PhilHealth will cover more for healthcare services like hospitalization, medicines, and diagnostic tests.
• Expanded Benefit Coverage: PhilHealth now covers a wider range of illnesses and surgeries, including certain types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders.
• Enhanced Konsulta Package: The Konsulta Package has been expanded to cover more outpatient services, including doctor consultations, laboratory tests, and prescribed medications.
• New Maternity and Newborn Care Package: A new Maternity and Newborn Care Package has been introduced to provide more support for pregnant women and their newborns.

In addition to the expanded and new benefits, PhilHealth is also launching new programs and services to improve the member experience. These include:

• Online Member Portal: An online member portal has been launched to make it easier for members to manage their accounts and avail of benefits.
• Mobile App: A mobile app has been developed to make it easier for members to find accredited health facilities, check their benefits, and file claims.
• 24/7 Hotline: A 24/7 hotline is available to answer member inquiries and provide assistance.

PhilHealth is committed to continuously improving its benefits and services so more Filipinos can access quality healthcare.

For more information on PhilHealth's expanded and new benefits, visit the PhilHealth website at https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/circulars/2024/ or call their 24/7 Hotline at (02) 8662-2588.

Shrinking Households? What the Philippine Census Reveals

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the average household size in the Philippines is 4 people, based on the latest Census of Population and Housing conducted in 2020. This reflects a slight decrease from the 4.6 person average recorded in 2015.

The data reveals variations in average household size across different regions. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has the largest average household size at 6 people, while the National Capital Region (NCR) has the smallest at just 4 people per household.

Other regions with larger average household sizes include:

• Central Luzon (5.2 people)
• Western Visayas (5.1 people)
• Eastern Visayas (5.0 people)

Regions with smaller average household sizes include:

• Cordillera Administrative Region (4.1 people)
• Ilocos Region (4.2 people)
• Bicol Region (4.3 people)

The changes in average household size can be linked to various factors, such as urbanization, evolving family structures, and economic conditions.

The year 2024 marks the conduct of the next Population and Housing Census (POPCENCBMS). This census will provide valuable information about the Philippines' population, including the average household size. This data will be used to plan and implement programs and services that address the specific needs of Filipinos.

The theme for POPCENCBMS 2024 is "#BeCountedBeHeard." It emphasizes the importance of participation by all Filipinos in the census. The information gathered will be used to improve the lives of all citizens.

Here are some details you can add to your news report:

• Include graphs or charts that illustrate the average household size across different regions.
• Discuss potential reasons behind the changing average household size.
• Highlight the significance of POPCENCBMS 2024 and how it can contribute to improving the lives of Filipinos.
• Encourage people to participate in the census by providing information on how to sign up.

Here are some links for further information:

• Philippine Statistics Authority website: PSA website
• 2020 Census of Population and Housing results: 2020 Philippine Census
• Information on the 2024 POPCENCBMS: 2024 Philippine Census

Gear Up! Senior High School Students Can Build Bots in Free Workshop

Calling all tech-savvy teens! The DICT Regional Office 2 is hosting a free, two-day workshop where senior high school students can learn the basics of robot building.

The "Gear Up! Ready to Build a Bot?" workshop will be held on June 24-25, 2024, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Tech4ED-Digital Transformation Center located at Bagay Road, Tuguegarao City.

What to Expect

Participants will gain hands-on experience in:

• Robot Movement Control with Display Indicators
• Obstacle Avoiding Robot Laser Sensor
• Tracking Robot Grayscale Sensor

Registration

Slots are limited, so interested students should register as soon as possible. The deadline to register is June 19, 2024. Scan the QR code on the workshop poster to register online.

This workshop is a great opportunity for senior high school students to learn new skills, explore their interest in robotics, and discover potential career paths in the field of technology.

Don't miss out! Register today!

DOST-SEI Announces Over 10,000 New Science Scholars

The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) has released the official list of qualifiers for the 2024 Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarships.

10,756 Qualifiers from Nationwide Exam

Out of 89,510 aspiring scholars who took the qualifying exam last April, a total of 10,756 were chosen. These qualifiers will be awarded scholarships starting the first semester of the academic year 2024-2025.

Click here to view the list of qualifiers.

Two Scholarship Programs Offered

• RA 7687 Scholarship Program: This program supports academically talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. A total of 5,839 students qualified under this program.
• Merit Scholarship Program: This program is given to students with high aptitude in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). A total of 4,917 qualified for this program.

There are also 244 potential qualifiers whose names are still being finalized upon resubmission of certain requirements.

Scholarship Benefits

Qualifiers can enjoy various benefits throughout their S&T degree program, including:

• Monthly stipend of ₱8,000.00
• Tuition fee subsidies of up to ₱40,000.00 per year (for private universities)
• Learning materials and/or connectivity allowance
• One-time clothing allowance
• One economy-class roundtrip fare per year (for those studying outside their home province)
• Outright thesis allowance
• Graduation allowance
• Group accident insurance

Enrollment Requirements

To avail of the scholarship, qualifiers must enroll in a Bachelor of Science (BS) program in a priority S&T field at an accredited institution. The list of priority programs is available on the DOST-SEI website. Starting this academic year, scholars may also choose BS Sports Science, BS Data Science, BS Agribusiness Economics, and BS Orthotics and Prosthetics.

Investing in the Future of STEM

"We take pride in granting these scholarships," said Engr. Albert G. Mariño, Director III and Officer-in-Charge of DOST-SEI. "These qualifiers have shown their potential in science and technology, and we hope to equip them to become the future STEM leaders of the country."

Program Objectives

The DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarships aim to:

• Encourage talented Filipino youth to pursue careers in S&T
• Ensure a steady supply of qualified S&T human resources for national development

Obligation after Graduation

After completing their studies, DOST scholars are required to work in their specialized fields in the Philippines for a period equal to the length of time they received the scholarship.

For More Information

The complete list of qualifiers and information about the DOST-SEI programs can be found on their website: https://sei.dost.gov.ph.

DAR Launches Farm Business School in Carmen, Agusan del Norte

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Agusan del Norte, together with the local government of Carmen and other stakeholders, recently launched a Farm Business School (FBS) in Brgy. Cahayagan, Carmen town.

The program targets members of the Cahayagan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative, a DAR-assisted organization.

DAR representatives believe the initiative will foster collaboration and signifies a commitment to improving the lives of farmers in the community.

"We encourage farmers to not only engage in planting activities but also to delve into entrepreneurship and business aspects related to farm operation profitability," said Carmen Mayor Hon. Ramon C. Calo.

The FBS aims to equip farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively manage their agricultural enterprises, ultimately increasing their livelihood.

"The Farm Business School is composed of 34 participants, including Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and several smallholder farmers focused on vegetable production," said MARPO Ronald Cuaresma.