By the H&L Editorial team

Here are recent updates and announcements from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in the Philippines—developments that reflect not only policy adjustments but a deeper, more hopeful shift in the country’s health landscape. In recent months, both agencies have demonstrated a renewed commitment to prevention, early detection, service expansion, and system strengthening. From intensified disease surveillance and stronger public-health safeguards, to expanded benefit coverage and more patient-centered reforms, the DOH and PhilHealth are steadily laying the groundwork for a more resilient and equitable health system. These initiatives deserve recognition: they signal that despite challenges, our national health institutions are striving to protect Filipino families, empower healthcare professionals, and move us closer to a future where good health is accessible to all.

1. DOH: Strengthening disease surveillance & outbreak response

• On 25 November 2025, the DOH Cagayan Valley (through its Regional Epidemiology & Surveillance Unit) conducted a Program Implementation Review & Operational Planning (17-18 Nov) to bolster disease surveillance and outbreak response systems.
• This reflects a push to improve detection-and-response capabilities ahead of seasonal and emerging threats (influenza, dengue, etc.).

2. DOH: Push for a total ban on vape/e-cigarette products

• On 22-24 Nov 2025, DOH publicly proposed a nationwide total ban on vaping and e-cigarette products, warning that they may lead to cardiovascular disease, cancer and lung illness.
• The DOH criticised advertising that portrays vaping as a “safer alternative” to smoking.

3. DOH: Dengue and vector-borne disease surge in NCR / regions

• The DOH reported the number of dengue cases in Quezon City has passed 10,256 from Jan 1 to Nov 20 (44 deaths) in the year to date.
• Earlier, DOH logged about 14,000 dengue cases in a two-week period in October across certain regions — though this number was 8% lower than the previous equivalent period.

4. DOH + World Health Organization (WHO): National push vs tuberculosis

• In a joint release (12 Nov 2025) the WHO and DOH announced under the new PhilSTEP2 (Philippine Strategic TB Elimination Plan Phase 2 2025-2030) the target to screen 12 million Filipinos for TB by 2026.
• The Philippines also aims to double its budget for TB services.

5. PhilHealth: Claims payments & benefit coverage updates

• According to PhilHealth’s News page:

30 Oct 2025: PhilHealth disbursed over ₱217 billion in claims payments in the first 9 months.

28 Oct 2025: PhilHealth assures benefit coverage for influenza (flu).

22 Oct 2025: PhilHealth pushes for early detection to prevent breast cancer.

17 Oct 2025: PhilHealth supports Cybersecurity Month: no personal data collected on social media.

6. PhilHealth: Circulars and policy updates (2025)

Some of the key circulars released in 2025:

• Circular 2025-0018: Quality standards on diagnosis & management of ischemic heart disease/acute myocardial infarction (issued 10/22/2025)
• Circular 2025-0017: Selection & empanelment for PhilHealth’s Primary Care Benefit Package (10/18/2025)
• Circular 2025-0016: Granting of provisional contracting for Z-Benefits for selected orthopaedic implants & special privileges to HCPs/health facilities after earthquake in Cebu (10/07/2025)
• Circular 2025-0015: Lifting the Single Period of Confinement Rule (SSPC rule) for all case-rate claims (09/04/2025)
• Circular 2025-0014: Benefit package for selected outpatient cancer screening tests (07/30/2025)
• Circular 2025-0013: Nationwide implementation of “PhilHealth GAMOT” (Guaranteed & Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment) (07/30/2025)