Health policy experts, development partners, and healthcare leaders underscored the need for sustainable financing, institutional resilience, and long-term policy commitment to secure the future of Universal Health Care (UHC) in the Philippines during a Health Forum held at the Healthway Cancer Care Hospital on June 11.
The discussion brought together representatives from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), and the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to examine the progress of UHC implementation and the challenges that must be addressed to ensure its continued success.
Participants noted that the UHC Law has significantly expanded healthcare access for millions of Filipinos, strengthening financial protection and bringing essential health services closer to communities. However, speakers emphasized that sustaining these gains will require responsive financing mechanisms, prudent fiscal management, and continued investments in healthcare infrastructure and workforce development.
Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, President of PhilHealth, highlighted hallmark reforms and improved service delivery as mandated by the UHC Law. He stressed that healthcare investments should be viewed not merely as expenditures but as investments in national development.
“This irreversible shift in our baseline of support UHC Law – immediate eligibility from the beginning and expanded benefit packages. Now our strategies must shift towards smarter spending through tailor-fit interventions to maximize the value of every peso spent for Filipinos.“
Meanwhile, Dr. Valerie Gilbert Ulep of PIDS emphasized the importance of ensuring that healthcare expansion is supported by sound fiscal planning and evidence-based policymaking. He noted that maintaining public trust in the healthcare system depends on balancing broader access with long-term financial sustainability.
PSAC Health Sector Lead and Ayala Corporation Chief Social Infrastructure Officer, Paolo Borromeo, highlighted the importance of sustained public-private collaboration, innovative approaches to healthcare financing, and institutional partnerships in supporting Universal Health Care.
“Universal Health Care is a shared commitment that extends beyond any single institution. Sustaining the momentum we have started requires strong partnerships across government, healthcare providers, industry, and the private sector. As healthcare needs continue to evolve, our collective challenge is not only to expand access, but also to build resilient and sustainable systems that can continue serving future generations of Filipinos,” Borromeo said.
Throughout the discussion, speakers agreed that healthcare is both a social imperative and an economic investment. A healthier population contributes to a more productive workforce, stronger communities, and greater national competitiveness. The session also explored the role of government, healthcare providers, and development institutions in building a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the evolving needs of Filipinos while remaining financially sustainable.
The health forum forms part of broader efforts to foster informed dialogue on the future of healthcare financing and delivery in the Philippines, reinforcing the shared commitment to achieving better health outcomes for every Filipino.
