The national government has acceded to the demands of local chief executives in Negros Oriental headed by Gov. Roel Degamo in amending certain provisions of a Memorandum of Agreement to effectively implement the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Degamo was in Malacañang yesterday for the signing of the MOA between the Department of Social Welfare and local chief executives on the implementation of the program to benefit the poor.

The MOA signing was held in abeyance a few weeks ago when Degamo and some mayors questioned the requirement for the beneficiaries to enroll first with PhilHealth, when the province has its own insurance system that is extending the same services.

Under the revised MOA, beneficiaries are given the option to choose from either PhilHealth or the Provincial Health Insurance in Negros Oriental.

Under the PHINO, money invested by the people of Negros Oriental will remain in the province, and will grow in numbers when there are savings.

Dr. Villapando of the Negros Oriental hospital system said the savings may be used to expand the services and for the enrolment of more members, unlike in PhilHealth when the investment will go to the national coffers.

Together with Degamo for the MOA signing were Mayors Jimmy Clerigo of Canlaon City, Kit Marc Adanza of Zamboanguita, Dyango Uy of Mabinay, and Amor Baldado of Manjuyod.*JG

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