ILOILO CITY (PNA) — The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in Western Visayas has a robust financial standing with its collection way above its 11.22 percent targed as of August this year, data from the agency’s Field Operation Division (FOD) showed.

 The collection performance record reveals that the agency, via its nine offices, has collected 77.89 percent equivalent to P900.46 million from January to August as against its 2010 collection goal of P1.156 billion. PhilHealth FOD Chief Lourdes F.

Diocson said the agency’s benchmark for the month of August was 66.67 percent. The highest collection was from the agency’s sponsored program (SP) catering to indigents and consequently has the biggest enrollment in the region. Their premium is being sponsored by local government units (LGUs).

Collection under said sponsored program reached P207.603 million with 614,764 enrolled members. “We are operating on a balance scorecard concept wherein what we pay out in pledges should be supported in terms of adequate collection levels,” explained Diocson.

Such collection means that enrollees to PhilHealth, because of its good financial standing, are assured of expected benefits accompanying their membership. Diocson said the amount generated so far reflects “sound collection efforts” and Western Visayas is “over the target.”

NGO Celebrates Children's Month

CEBU CITY — In celebration of the national Children’s Month this October, the Cebu NGO Network (CNN) hosted a recent children’s gathering dubbed “Fiesta sa Kabataan” in this city’s University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF).

Centered on the theme “Kung Bright Child ang Gusto, Mundo’y Ingatan Mo,” the event saw about 350 children from residential care centers and assisted communities of the CNN member-agencies joining in. CNN is composed of Cebu-based non-government organizations (NGOs) providing programs and services for children in need of special protection.

This includes child laborers; commercially and sexually exploited children; and trafficked, neglected, abandoned, abused children and street children. The activity commenced with a prayer for the protection of children’s rights and ending of violence against them.

 The group organized games with participants given the chance to enjoy themselves as they actively participated in poster-making contests and trivia quizzes, while role-playing depicting children rights was also showcased. The annual observance of Children’s Month is a continuing advocacy which promotes the role of everyone helping to ensure children rights.

Meanwhile, as part of its continuing advocacy for children, the CNN is actively monitoring Government’s compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN-CRC).

The CNN is a consistent advocate for changes in laws and policies appropriate for children. (Phoebe Jen Indino)

PNP Nabs Nine Gun Ban Violators

PALO, Leyte — The Philippine National Police 8 (PNP-8) has arrested a total of nine people in its drive to arrest gun ban violators in Eastern Visayas during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections campaign period, a police report said. PNP-8 Regional Director, PC Supt.

Arnold Revilla told reporters in an interview at his office here, that so far, one Philippine Army enlisted man and eight civilians were apprehended for violating the gun ban by police operatives. He added that the number of suspects were arrested since the 45-day gun ban for said elections took effect last September 24.

Revilla said that from the nine arrested persons, the police was able to confiscate four bladed weapons and five firearms from the suspects. Cases have been filed in court against the latter.

The PNP official is strongly urging the public to support the PNP-8 in the implementation of the gun ban and report to the police anyone violating the said ban to help ensure honest, peaceful and orderly Barangay and SK elections in the region this coming October 25. (Restituto Cayubit)