24/09/2025
Highlights | National UHC Summit 2025
Six years after the passage of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act in 2019, the Philippines has recorded significant progress in reforming its health system to ensure that every Filipino has access to quality, affordable health care, while protecting families from financial hardship.
To mark this milestone, the Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), hosted the first-ever National UHC Summit last August 28, 2025 in the ADB Headquarters, Mandaluyong City. The event showcased key reforms, shared success stories, and called for renewed multisectoral commitments to accelerate UHC implementation nationwide.
The Summit convened a diverse group of stakeholders including Local Chief Executives, national government agencies, LGU health officers, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector, demonstrating a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach to health reform.
The summit began with a warm welcome message from Ms. Fatima Yasmin, Vice President for Sectors and Themes, Asian Development Bank (ADB).
This was followed by messages of support from our esteemed partners:
• Dr. Susan Mercado, Director for Program Management, WHO WPRO
• Hon. Dakila Carlo E. Cua, National President, ULAP
• Dr. Edwin Mercado, Acting President and CEO, PhilHealth
• Hon. Juanito Victor Remulla, Secretary, DILG
The highlight of the morning was the Keynote Message of Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, Secretary of Health, DOH, on “Putting People at the Center: Translating UHC Commitments into Action.”
The session also featured DOH priority programs and the recognition of UHC implementers, underscoring the collective efforts to bring Universal Health Care closer to every Filipino.
📸 Here are some snapshots from the morning session!