Thirty years of protecting Filipinos’ health took center stage along EDSA’s southbound lane as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), in partnership with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Boysen Philippines unveiled a 300-meter mural titled “Payong ng Kapanatagan.”
“This artwork is more than just a painting on the wall. It is a tribute to the power of compassion and service, and a visual reminder that health is not only a personal responsibility, but a collective mission,” said MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando S. Artes.
The mural serves to illustrate PhilHealth’s commitment to provide every Filipino with peace of mind through adequate financial access to healthcare anytime and anywhere in the country, regardless of their station in life.
The “Payong” (umbrella) was chosen as the central symbol to represent PhilHealth’s role (in Universal Health Care). Like an umbrella shielding us from the sun or rain, PhilHealth provides protection to Filipinos against unexpected and often costly medical treatment.
“Ito po ang kahulugan ng PhilHealth sa buhay nating lahat – napoprotektahan tayo laban sa mabigat na gastusin tuwing tayo’y nagkakasakit, at nagkakaroon tayo ng agarang access sa serbisyong medikal sa oras ng ating pangangailangan,” said PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado. “Gaya ng payong, ang PhilHealth ay laging kasama natin sa bawat hakbang ng ating buhay.”
Visible to thousands of daily commuters, the mural also stands as a reminder of our shared commitment and responsibility in ensuring that health care services remain within reach, especially of the poor, the marginalized, and vulnerable sectors of the society.
