JANUARY 12, 2026 — This month, as the country observes Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and Prevention Month, PhilHealth and the Department of Health (DOH) are reminding Filipinos that life-saving benefits and free vaccines are available, just waiting for us to claim them.

P25K hepatitis care

PhilHealth is urging members to take advantage of benefit packages worth up to ₱24,765 for hepatitis-related conditions. That’s a huge relief for families who might otherwise drown in medical bills. 

Chronic viral hepatitis care is covered up to ₱23,010; sequelae of viral hepatitis up to ₱20,865; and congenital viral hepatitis up to ₱24,765. 

These are not new roll-outs — they’re existing benefits that too many Filipinos overlook or perhaps are not even aware of. .

The insurer also highlights its YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), which covers early screening for liver cancer through tests and ultrasound procedures at accredited facilities nationwide. 

Don’t wait until symptoms worsen. Prevention and early detection are already within reach, and they’re covered.

Free vaccines

Meanwhile, the DOH is reminding parents, guardians, pregnant women, and senior citizens to avail themselves of free vaccines at LGU health centers and Bulilit Centers of Care. These vaccines are proven safe and effective, and they’re already part of the system. 

For infants, vaccines include BCG for tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Pentavalent, OPV, PCV, IPV, and MMR. 

For school-aged children, Grade 1 and Grade 7 students can get Measles-Rubella and Tetanus-Diphtheria shots, while Grade 4 girls are eligible for the HPV vaccine to help prevent cervical cancer. 

Pregnant women are encouraged to get the Td vaccine to protect both mother and child. 

Senior citizens can receive free influenza and pneumococcal vaccines — crucial for preventing severe respiratory infections.

Why does this matter? Because healthcare costs are rising, and prevention is always cheaper than cure. 

These reminders are not just announcements but wake-up calls. They mean fewer families forced to borrow money for hospital bills. They mean more children protected from preventable diseases. They mean our lolos and lolas can avoid life-threatening infections.

We often complain that government programs don’t reach us. But here, the services are already in place. Will we take them seriously? Will parents bring their babies for free vaccines? Will adults get screened for hepatitis before it’s too late? Will senior citizens line up for flu shots instead of risking hospitalization?

Let’s talk about why some Filipinos still hesitate. Is it misinformation, fear, or simply lack of awareness? Or perhaps laziness? 

How can communities, schools, and local leaders step in to encourage participation?

The government has done its part by making these benefits available. Now it’s our turn to act.

Health is wealth, but prevention is power — and it’s free, so let’s not waste it!

(Image: Philippine Information Agency)