The PhilHealth Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), formerly known as "Konsulta," is a Philippine national government initiative that aims to deliver preventive healthcare, provide medical support for out-of-pocket expenses, and closely monitor the health condition of all Filipinos. Through YAKAP, PhilHealth members may receive free health consultations and laboratory tests, and may also avail medical coverage for various diseases. 

‎Part of the PhilHealth YAKAP Program is the Guaranteed Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT), wherein PhilHealth beneficiaries are entitled to receive Php 20,000 worth of medicine each year for outpatient treatment. The YAKAP-GAMOT program strives to ease the financial burden of the patients and ensure accessible medication for all citizens. The overall goal of YAKAP-GAMOT is to shift from reactive or hospital-based treatment to a more proactive and preventive healthcare, leading to reduced medical costs. Beneficiaries can avail the YAKAP-GAMOT medication as prescribed by YAKAP-accredited clinics. The City of Valenzuela is designated as the first LGU in Metro Manila to form a partnership with PhilHealth in implementing the YAKAP-GAMOT initiative. 

‎Currently, the City of Valenzuela has a total of 47 YAKAP-accredited facilities, with 7 more clinics currently undergoing the accreditation process. Each accredited clinic has access to 21 types of medication under PhilHealth YAKAP that are available for dispensing. 

‎‎In addition, the City of Valenzuela embarked on a partnership with Generika Drugstore for dispensing medication for outpatients who are in need. Through this partnership with Generika Drugstore in the launch of YAKAP-GAMOT, beneficiaries may also avail 54 types of medication at 10 accredited Generika pharmacies, located in Barangays Gen. T. De Leon, Marulas, Veinte Reales, Malinta, Dalandanan, Parada, and Maysan. 

‎Types of medications under YAKAP-GAMOT are categorized with the following: anti-infectious, anti-hypertensive & cardiology, anti-asthma & COPD, anti-thrombotics, anti-dyslipidemia,  anti-diabetics, nervous system, and other supportive medications. 

‎‎During the launch, Valenzuelanos were guided through the process of PhilHealth registration, the first patient encounter (FPE), which determines their medical condition and prescription, and finally, the dispensing of YAKAP-GAMOT medication care of Generika Drugstore. 

‎‎In his message, Mayor WES Gatchalian emphasized the local government's mandate of ensuring that quality healthcare is able to reach several grassroots communities.  “Ang sakit po ay walang pinipiling oras; ang sakit ho ay walang pinipiling tao. Lahat po ay nagkakasakit. Kaya patuloy pong magiging prayoridad ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Valenzuela ang pagdadala ng libreng gamot sa ating mamamayan. Patuloy tayong mag-iisip at patuloy tayong makikipag-partner, at patuloy po tayong gagawa ng hakbang para mapagaan ang bulsa ng ating mga minamahal na kababayan dito sa Valenzuela.” 

‎Moving toward a livable and healthier Valenzuela City, the City Government places great importance on health and endeavors to provide accessible, effective, and inclusive healthcare for all — ensuring that no Valenzuelano is ever left behind. 

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Initially groundbroken in March 2023, Phases 1 to 3 of the Disiplina Village Arkong Bato were officially opened, featuring seven (7) low-rise, four-storey residential buildings with a total of 336 housing units. During the ceremony, Certificates of Award were formally distributed to qualified beneficiaries, officially welcoming them as new homeowners under the city’s flagship housing initiative.

Implemented with the support of the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the Disiplina Village Arkong Bato served as the city’s fourth in-city housing relocation project, following Disiplina Village Ugong, Bignay, and Lingunan. The project primarily catered to fire victim families and Informal Settler Families (ISFs) who previously resided in danger-prone areas, including locations near waterways and beneath transmission lines.

Located on a 20,709-square-meter property along M.H. Del Pilar Street, Barangay Arkong Bato, the Disiplina Village Arkong Bato was designed as a safe, accessible, and sustainable community. The entire housing complex was envisioned to eventually consist of twenty (20) four-storey buildings with 960 housing units, strategically situated near the city proper and accessible to public utility vehicles and essential services.

In line with the city’s commitment to heritage preservation, the architectural façade of the housing buildings was inspired by the historic Arkong Bato, reflecting Valenzuela City’s balance of urban development and cultural identity. The nearby Arkong Bato Park, inaugurated in 2023, further enhanced the area as a livable and community-oriented space for residents.

In his message, Mayor WES said “Gusto nating makilala ang Valenzuela hindi lamang lugar kung saan nakikita ang mga naglalakihang mga pabrika, kundi makilala bilang isang liveable city. Ngayon ay matutunghayan natin ang isang panibagong kasaysayan sa pag inaugurate natin ng Disiplina Village Arkong Bato. Gusto natin maging isang lugar na hindi lamang trabaho ang meron, may pabahay, edukasyon, malakas na sistema ng gobyerno, healthcare, at peace and order para tayo ay matawag na ganap na liveable city.”

The blessing and inauguration of Phases 1 to 3 of the Disiplina Village Arkong Bato underscored the city government’s continuing mission to provide decent, affordable, and secure housing for Valenzuelanos, while empowering families to rebuild their lives and thrive in a disciplined, resilient, and inclusive community.

This milestone housing project reaffirmed Valenzuela City’s vision of becoming a truly livable city, where every Valenzuelano is given the opportunity to enjoy a safe home, dignified living conditions, and a better future.

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The newly deployed ambulances are equipped with state-of-the-art emergency medical features, including stretcher beds with safety restraints, spinal boards, and trauma kits. Each unit also comes with interior LED medical lighting and a two-way radio communication system device to ensure efficient dispatch and coordination with the city’s central command center. The vehicles were also built with high-roof designs to allow paramedics to move comfortably while administering care and are fitted with sirens and high-visibility emergency lighting for safe and rapid transport through traffic.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Mayor WES emphasized that the initiative reflects the city’s proactive and people-centered governance. He noted that investing in emergency medical infrastructure is crucial in a rapidly growing urban center, where timely medical response can mean the difference between life and death. The mayor also highlighted that the deployment of dedicated ambulances per barangay empowers local officials and frontline responders to act swiftly and efficiently.

“Ito pong programa natin ay bilang suporta sa ating programang pangkalusugan, ang mabili at efficient po na service sa ating mga constituents sa pamamagitan po ng mga brand new ambulance natin. ‘Wag po kayong mag-alala, pinapaalam ko rin sa inyo na ang LGU rin po ay patuloy pong sumusuporta sa ating mga barangay… Kaya sa ating mga kapitan at barangay officials na nandito, suklian po natin ng magandang serbisyo ang ating mga mamamayan,” he stated. [This program is in support of our health programs, providing fast and efficient service to our constituents through our brand new ambulances… I also want to remind you that the LGU continues to support our barangays... So to our captains and barangay officials present here, let us reciprocate it with good service to our constituents]

On the other hand, Senator WIN, who supported the initiative, reaffirmed his commitment to helping local governments strengthen their healthcare capabilities. He commended Valenzuela City’s leadership for prioritizing public health and safety, especially in light of increasing demand for emergency services.

As Valenzuela City marks its 28th Cityhood Anniversary, the milestone serves not only as a celebration of progress but also a reaffirmation of its commitment to responsive governance. It is a unified effort to safeguard the health and well-being of every resident, reinforcing the city’s vision of delivering efficient, accessible, and compassionate public service at the grassroots level.

Also gracing the momentous event were Vice Mayor Marlon Alejandrino, 2nd District Congressman Gerald Galang, Councilors: Niña Lopez, Goyong Serrano, Lorie Natividad-Borja, Ghogho Deato-Lee, Atty. Bimbo Dela Cruz, Liga ng mga Barangay President Mario San Andres, and the City Barangay Captains and Council. 

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Couples from various barangays across the city have gathered to formally unite as husbands and wives in a ceremony that reflects not only their personal promises to one another, but also their shared hope for a brighter future. Coming from different communities, backgrounds, and life experiences, they stand together in one place, bound by a common desire to build lasting unions founded on love, respect, and commitment.

Moreover, to make the once-in-a-lifetime occasion even more special, the city government also provided a buffet for the newlyweds and their guests, a hotel gift certificate for their first night together as married couples, a photobooth with souvenir photos to capture and preserve the precious moments, and bridal bouquets for the brides. 

Mayor WES Gatchalian, who led the much-anticipated mass wedding ceremony and extended his warm greeting, believes that Kasalang Bayan is more than just a wedding event, but it also embodies the city government’s steadfast commitment to nurturing strong, stable families as the foundation of a progressive society. By making marriage more accessible and meaningful for its residents, the local government reaffirms its dedication to promoting unity, responsibility, and compassion among Valenzuelanos.

Through such programs, making it accessible to couples from all walks of life, the city affirms that marriage is not only a personal milestone but also a shared community celebration. It sends a powerful message that love deserves to be honored, that commitment deserves to be supported, and that every family matters.

On this Valentine’s Day, love was not just felt—it was chosen. And in that choice, 178 new chapters began.

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