LEGAZPI CITY, June 15 -- For many Filipinos, a visit to the doctor often means setting aside money for consultation fees and medicines.

For Albert Clemente, a government employee at Catanduanes State University, that burden was eased by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's (PhilHealth) Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), which provides members with access to primary healthcare services and medicine benefits.

"I am happy to be a recipient of YAKAP because it is very convenient. You no longer have to pay for consultations, since they are free," Clemente said in a recorded interview provided by the PhilHealth-5 (Bicol) on Monday.

Like many beneficiaries, Clemente enrolled in the program through the PhilHealth website and selecte...