UCMed completes first open-heart surgery under PhilHealth Z-Benefit

CEBU CITY -- The University of Cebu Medical Center (UCMed) successfully completed its first Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery under PhilHealth’s Z-Benefit program, where for many Filipinos living with heart disease, the need for open-heart surgery can feel overwhelming, both medically and financially. 

UCMed offers renewed hope after that milestone case involving a 58-year-old male patient diagnosed with serious coronary artery disease. The feat made life-saving treatment more accessible to patients who need it most.

Through the PhilHealth Z-Benefit package, he was able to undergo the complex, high-cost open-heart procedure with significantly reduced financial burden, proving that advanced cardiac care is now within reach for qualified members.

“This Z-Benefit is a big help to all individuals who are financially challenged but in need of surgery,” Dr. Mancao commented.

Dr. Eduardo Lee, Jr., chief of clinics and one of the attending cardiologists, emphasized that even patients with additional risk factors can achieve good outcomes.  “Prognosis remains good in these subsets of patients since we have a team of doctors in place to ensure quality patient care,” Lee said.

Supported by UCMed medical director Dr. Armando Tan and hospital leadership, the success of the operation highlighted the strength of UCMed’s fully equipped cardiac operating room and comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation center.

Both units have supported open-heart procedures since 2016, Dr. Tan shared, a testament of UCMed’s capability to deliver advanced, life-saving treatment for patients suffering from serious heart disease.

More than a hospital milestone, this achievement sends a clear message to individuals experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or other warning signs of heart disease.

“Early consultation can save lives,” quipped Dr. Tan.  With expert specialists, modern facilities, and PhilHealth support, UCMed stands ready to help heart patients take the next step toward recovery and toward a second chance at life.

A coronary artery bypass graft is performed on patients who are no longer candidates for angioplasty and whose blocked arteries severely restrict blood flow to the heart.  While the procedure is highly specialized and can be challenging, especially for patients with conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease, outcomes are greatly improved when handled by a skilled and coordinated medical team.

Dr. Neil Sanico, a thoracic, cardiac and vascular surgery (TCVS) surgeon and UCMed Z-Benefit chairperson, led the surgery with fellow TCVS surgeon Dr. Peter Mancao and Dr. Arnold Tan, section head of the cardiovascular operating room.   Dr. Judith Fernando, cardiovascular anesthesia section head, joined the team together with UCMed’s Heart Center team of cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists. (Photos: UCMed)

 

PhilHealth launches GAMOT program in Cebu

CEBU CITY – PhilHealth launched GAMOT or Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment in Central Visayas on February 17 at the Cebu Capitol Social Hall with Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, Cebu governor Pamela Baricutro, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, officials from the Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth and other partner agencies attending.

Dr. Herbosa bared that this program strengthens primary care by providing coverage for essential outpatient medicines and expanding preventive services under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) which continues to transform the delivery of primary health care by shifting the focus from curative treatment to preventive and promotive services.

YAKAP, Herbosa said is PhilHealth’s enhanced primary care benefit package designed to ensure that every Filipino has access to comprehensive, quality, and affordable outpatient care. By empowering accredited primary care providers and strengthening partnerships with local government units, the program supports early detection, continuous monitoring, and timely management of diseases, helping prevent complications and avoid unnecessary hospitalization.

By integrating screening, consultation, diagnostics, and medicines under one coordinated primary care system, PhilHealth advances a more proactive approach to health management. PhilHealth GAMOT benefit is a major enhancement under YAKAP, expanding outpatient medicines benefit designed to make essential medications more accessible and affordable for members.

Herbosa recognized that the cost of medicines remains one of the leading causes of out-of-pocket health spending, GAMOT directly addresses this concern by ensuring coverage for essential drugs used in managing common and chronic illnesses.

PhlHealth GAMOT key features include the coverage of 75 essential medicines, significantly expanding previous outpatient drug benefits; an annual benefit limit of up to ₱20,000 per member and per dependent and medicines prescribed for common acute and chronic conditions, including: Hypertension, Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, Asthma and other respiratory diseases, infections and selected cardiovascular and neurologic conditions.

How to Avail of PhilHealth GAMOT

1.    After choosing an accredited PhilHealth YAKAP Clinic, a beneficiary (member or dependent) undergoes First Patient Encounter, and medical consultation through the YAKAP physician.

2.    After consultation with a YAKAP physician, beneficiary receives prescription for needed medicines.

3.    Beneficiary presents the prescription and required identification at an accredited GAMOT provider for dispensing of medicine/s.

4.    Beneficiaries must return to their YAKAP doctor for follow-up checkups and continuous monitoring, as PhilHealth’s YAKAP and GAMOT ensures continuity of care rather than one-time availability.

               

The launch of PhilHealth GAMOT, in partnership with the Cebu Provincial government underscores PhilHealth’s strong partnership with local government leaders and health stakeholders in delivering accessible health services to every community.

At the GAMOT launching, the PhilHealth GAMOT featured a walkthrough with three different 𝗬𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗣 and 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗧-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 (𝗜𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗿𝗼 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹, 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 with its partner pharmacy 𝗟𝗮 𝗡𝘂𝗲𝘃𝗮, and the 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 (𝗨𝗖 𝗠𝗲𝗱) with and pre-identified individuals, demonstrating the patient pathway, from consultation with a YAKAP provider, to prescription generation, and dispensing of medicines at an accredited GAMOT facility or pharmacy and the awarding of confirmation slip and medicine kit to pre-identified patients. (Photos: PhilHealth-FB/)

Vibrant tradition, auspicious feasts at Savoy Hotel Mactan for Chinese New Year 2026

NEWTOWN, Mactan-- Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown welcomed the Lunar New Year on February 16 with meaningful traditions, cultural performances, and special dining offers designed to usher in prosperity, luck, and love.

Guests and visitors were treated to the world of Dragon and Lion Dance performance at the hotel lobby, a symbolic ritual believed to drive away negative energy and invite good fortune for the year ahead.  The celebration also featured traditional Chinese New Year rituals that represent abundance, harmony, and prosperity, reflecting Savoy’s commitment to honoring cultural heritage and sharing festive joy with the community.

Continuing its long-standing tradition, the hotel’s leaders visited Chu Un Temple, February 17 to offer prayers and seek blessings for a prosperous year. This annual visit signifies gratitude and hope for continued success, strong partnerships, and abundant opportunities in the months ahead.

In line with the season’s themes of renewal, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown also highlights its Auspicious Love offerings, perfect for couples, families, and friends celebrating together.

Guests can indulge in the Auspicious Love Special Dinner Buffet for only PHP 1,350 per person, featuring a curated selection of festive and symbolic dishes meant to bring luck, happiness, and prosperity to the table.

Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown invites everyone to celebrate the Lunar New Year in an atmosphere filled with joy, fortune, and love.  For reservations and inquiries, guests may contact Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown through its official website or social media pages. (Photos: MBCNewman)

PhilHealth highlights Primary Care Gains through YAKAP

 CEBU CITY -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) highlighted Yaman ng KalusuganProgram (YAKAP) underscoring primary care as the foundation of accessible and equitable healthcare for all Filipinos for this year’s National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) Month celebration.

 

“Ngayong Buwan ng Pambansang Segurong Pangay may agarang access sa napapanahon, dekalidad, at komprehensibong serbisyong pangkalusugan sa pamamagitan ng PhilHealth YAKAP,” said PhilHealth President and CEO (PCEO) Dr. Edwin  Mercado.

Through YAKAP, members are provided access to consultations, selected laboratory services, and essential medicines delivered by accredited primary care providers. The program encourages families to register with primary care providers to ensure continuous health monitoring, early detection, and preventive care, helping reduce avoidable hospitalizations and improve overall health outcomes.

As of January 2026, PhilHealth has recorded a total of 26.75 million Filipinos who have been empaneled under the program. In addition, there were 40.01 million YAKAP Clinic selections recorded in 2025 and 21.72 million YAKAP Clinic selections recorded in 2026, reflecting the growing engagement of members with their chosen primary care providers.

Observed under Presidential Proclamation No. 1400 s. 2007, NHIP Month highlights PhilHealth’s role in promoting social solidarity and financial risk protection while strengthening primary care.

Under the Universal Health Care Law, PhilHealth’s role has evolved from financing hospital-based services to acting as a strategic purchaser of health services across the continuum of care, ensuring that all Filipinos are automatically covered and entitled to essential health services.

As PhilHealth marks its 31st anniversary on February 14 and joins the nationwide observance of NHIP Month with the theme “Ka-YAKAP ang Pilipino sa Kalusugang Segurado,” the agency reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining primary care gains and expanding access nationwide.

“Ito ang aming mandato: Sa Bagong Pilipinas, mayroon tayong Mabilis, Patas at Mapagkakatiwalaang PhilHealth,” PCEO Mercado concluded.

Chef Bruce Lim joins Sunny Farms as its first culinary authority partner

CEBU CITY – Chef Bruce Lim, widely recognized in the Philippine culinary scene not only as a television personality, but as a chef with deep professional and operational experience, has joined Sunny Farms PH as the brand’s first Culinary Authority Partner, in a contract signing Friday, February 6 at Seda Hotel Cebu.

Sunny Farms Brand Manager, Louren Chua-Sy introduced Chef Bruce to the media and content creators saying this is not like any typical traditional celebrity chef endorsement. This collaboration is built as a working partnership. Chef Bruce collaborates with Sunny Farms customers-- helping them use the products, develop dishes, refine menus, and create practical solutions designed for real-world food service environments.

Sunny Farms is a food service brand offering essential ingredients sourced specifically for chefs and professional kitchens.  It is exclusively distributed by Global Pacific Distribution Network and backed up by its centralized ordering and distribution system, hotels and restaurant groups can place Sunny Farms orders through a single ordering point, with delivery coordinated across its multiple locations nationwide, Chua-Sy bared.

Chef Bruce talked about his endorsement of Sunny Farm products and their personal experience with them and explained that his decision to be part of Sunny Farms is based on his long-term use of the brand and the company’s commitment to endorsing products that align with their beliefs and daily use.

“I have seen the evolution of Sunny Farms from a simple oil product to a diverse range of products including French fries, bread crumbs, mushroom cherries, and butter.  The brand’s focus on consistency, transparency, and flavor and how these qualities are reflected in their products and packaging,” Chef Bruce shared.

Chef Bruce elaborated on the importance of consistency and transparency in Sunny Farms products, particularly for professional chefs. The brand's practice of listing drained weight on cans ensuring chefs know exactly how much product they are using.

He describes his personal process of tasting products straight from the can to understand their flavor and adjust recipes accordingly.  The versatility of Sunny Farms products is superb that it allows chefs to create a variety of dishes from different culinary backgrounds.

“I have worked across different types of food operations and how it shapes their approach to cooking and the need to tailor recipes and ingredients to the specific operations of Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) and fine dining establishments,” Chef Bruce said.

He reiterated the importance of consistency in Sunny Farms products, making it easier for chefs to replicate recipes consistently, he said there are challenges of training non-professional cooks and the role of Sunny Farms in simplifying the cooking process for them.

Chef Bruce is best known for hosting shows on the Asian Food Channel (AFC), including Tablescapes, where he explored Filipino culinary traditions, and The Boss, which highlighted leadership and execution in professional kitchens. He has also served as a judge on AFC’s Next Celebrity Chef.

Beyond television, Chef Bruce’s background reflects the discipline and scale that modern food service demands. Trained at Le Cordon Bleu in London, he gained international experience working in professional kitchens in the United States before returning to the Philippines. He was also entrusted with leading large-scale food operations for major sporting events, serving as Executive Chef for the 2019 SEA Games, overseeing meals for thousands of athletes and officials, and later supporting Team Philippines during the 2023 SEA Games, ensuring nutrition, cultural, and dietary requirements were met around the clock.

It is this combination of culinary authority, operational discipline, and real-world scale that drew Sunny Farms to Chef Bruce — and shaped the nature of the partnership.

Under the partnership with Sunny Farms, Chef Bruce will work closely with the Global Pacific Sales Team collaborating with restaurants, hotels and cafes to ideate new dishes and build menus that are exciting, consistent, and operationally sound across multiple branches.

“Many of our partners are growing their operations by opening multiple branches. Through Sunny Farms and Chef Bruce’s involvement, we’re able to support these operators beyond supply — by working with their teams to develop menus and dishes that work across locations, teams, and service formats,” said Gracey Malaluan-Jose, National Sales Director of Global Pacific.

There will be a nationwide cooking caravan where Chef Bruce will also conduct demos designed to help operators and their teams strengthen skills, get new recipe ideas and improve consistency and profitability.  In addition, he will join Sunny Farms in live cooking demonstrations at the World Food Expo (WOFEX) in Cebu, Davao, and Manila, offering chefs and operators an up-close look at how Sunny Farms ingredients perform across different cuisines and applications.

Through this partnership, Sunny Farms and Chef Bruce aim to deepen the collaboration within the food service community — combining dependable ingredients with chef-led guidance to help professional kitchens cook with confidence, consistency, and creativity at scale.

For updates on Chef Bruce Lim’s cooking demos, nationwide caravan, and WOFEX schedules, visit www.globalpacific.com.ph. (Photos: Sunny Farms & MBCNewman)

 

Contempo Holdings, Sunberry Homes celebrate growth

CEBU CITY -- Contempo Property Holdings, Inc. and Sunberry Homes, Inc. celebrated company growth and success through the 2025 Sales Performance Awarding Ceremony on January 16 at the Sinulog Grand Ballroom, City Sports Club Cebu, honoring the dedication of their brokers, agents, and sellers whose collective efforts have driven the company’s continued growth under the theme, “Rising Higher’ to highlight how ‘Together We Reach New Heights.”

‘When We Have Faith in People, We Rise Higher Together.  We were naming a truth when we chose the theme.  Our growth has never been the result of one person or one moment. It has been built through our shared effort, resilience, and an unwavering belief in what we are building together.” said Contempo CEO Beverly Dayanan

In her message, Dayanan reflected on the rhythm and discipline that have guided their journey, much like the spirit of Sinulog. “We needed faith to get to where we are now.”   There were seasons of testing, moments of uncertainty, and times when progress demanded patience.

She commended their people’s commitment and celebrating what is beyond any sales figure—the character and courage they have consistently gifted Contempo and Sunberry. They are proof that when everyone has faith in people, everyone rise higher together.

 

The program recognized outstanding sellers, agents, and brokers whose commitment and performance exemplified Contempo and Sunberry’s mission of building communities and nurturing meaningful partnerships. In spite of recent disasters experienced in Cebu, their performance continued to drive success.

Key company updates and insights from Contempo and Sunberry’s leadership team were also featured. Operations Senior Manager – Support Services, Jojie Tajanlangit, welcomed attendees and underscored the company’s focus on operational excellence and partner support.

Meanwhile, Marketing Manager, Rochie Lumain, presented the latest project updates and sales promotions designed to empower brokers and agents in achieving stronger results.  Dayanan reaffirmed Contempo and Sunberry’s commitment to strengthening their partnerships, even as they look ahead to greater opportunities and achievements.

  Contempo Property Holdings, its success and development

 Contempo Property Holdings, Inc., and Sunberry Homes, Inc., continues to shape communities and create pathways for growth—together reaching new heights. Contempo Property Holdings, Inc., from its humble beginnings, has grown into a formidable force in the real estate sector, spearheading projects that redefine urban living. The company first made waves with the successful completion of its 800-unit, three-tower Bamboo Bay Community in Cebu City that generated over Php 1.81 billion in total revenues.

Contempo expanded its footprint with Ashana Coast Residences, an exclusive enclave of 126 single-detached homes along Cebu’s scenic coastline. With its elegant design and master-planned community features, the development is expected to generate Php 1.243 billion in revenue, further solidifying Contempo’s reputation for excellence.

As part of its strategic expansion, Contempo is set to launch Belle Residences in Davao City. This ambitious project consists of 219 single-detached homes catering to the growing middle-class market. With home prices ranging from Php 7 million to Php 11 million, the development is projected to generate Php 1.969 billion in revenues.

Contempo has secured significant land banking across Visayas and Mindanao, to support this new venture, ensuring a steady pipeline of future projects. The company’s land reserves, valued at over Php 1.8 billion, will enable it to roll out five to six additional developments in the coming years.

With the Vis-Min region’s property market experiencing robust growth, Contempo is seizing the opportunity to expand further. Over the next five to seven years, the company plans to develop a total of 15 new communities, catering to both middle-income and affordable housing segments. Cities such as Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro are at the heart of this expansion strategy, promising homebuyers well-designed, master-planned developments that align with their evolving lifestyles. (Photos: MBCNewman)