Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) has taken a significant step in advancing employee welfare by entering into a comprehensive healthcare agreement with a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). This move ensures full-spectrum medical coverage for all university personnel—both permanent teaching and non-teaching—through access to vital health services including consultations, hospitalization, emergency care, dental services, and financial assistance.
This development aligns with the national government’s recent efforts to bolster support for public servants. On August 2, 2024, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., signed Executive Order No. 64, which increases the salaries of government workers and authorizes the grant of additional allowances to state employees. In line with this policy direction, SLSU’s HMO initiative reflects its commitment to elevate the standard of care and support provided to its workforce.
Under the newly signed agreement, each eligible employee is entitled to an annual healthcare benefit limit of Php 240,000, with coverage of up to Php 60,000 per illness or confinement. The package includes semi-private room accommodation, outpatient services of up to Php 12,000 per year, and up to 100% reimbursement for emergency treatment under specific conditions. It also provides dental benefits and insurance coverage for life, accidents, and terminal illness.
However, the agreement will only be fully activated upon the official remittance of payment from SLSU to the HMO provider. Once in effect, the healthcare plan will include access to essential and preventive services such as dental and full-body examinations, treatment for illnesses and injuries, and emergency medical care, contributing significantly to the well-being, security, and productivity of university employees.
Each permanent employee will receive an HMO membership card, which will serve as their key to accessing healthcare services nationwide.
A ceremonial signing was held on May 13, underscoring the university’s dedication to fostering a people-centered academic community. With financial assistance from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), this initiative reinforces SLSU’s commitment to creating a safe, secure, and supportive environment for its workforce.
Photo credits: Elle Ignacio
Layout: Jefferson L. Abris