HRep-Ateneo Project 3rd Roundtable Discussion: Primary Health Care and Financial Inclusion

The third roundtable discussion of the HRep-Ateneo Evidence-Based Research Project was held on 20 November 2023 at the House of Representatives. The HRep-Ateneo project conducts research studies, which aim to support the current administration’s 8-point agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 towards achieving the Filipino aspirations of maginhawa, matatag, at panatag na buhay, or the Ambisyon Natin 2040.

The third roundtable discussion centered on the pertinent issues that beset both the health and monetary sectors, stimulating a dynamic discourse among experts coming from the government, academe, and the private sector.  

People at the Center: Assessing the Present and Envisioning the Future of Primary Care in the Philippines

Dr. Romulo Miral, Jr., Deputy Secretary General of the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) opened the morning session and emphasized the urgency of addressing the challenges in primary health care (PHC)  in the country to achieve “a health for all.” Dr. Valerie Ulep of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies and Congressional Research Fellow of the HRep-Ateneo Project, led the discussion on health, focusing on the theme "People at the Center: Assessing the Present and Envisioning the Future of Primary Care in the Philippines.”  Dr. Ulep began with a diagnosis of the PHC in the country and elaborated on its difference between primary care.  He emphasized how PHC contributes in controlling rapid health expenditure growth, addressing growing rate of non-communicable diseases, and improving pandemic preparedness.  He likewise highlighted its pivotal role in achieving universal health coverage and producing positive impacts on population health, leading to lower mortality rates, higher life expectancy, and improved overall well-being. To achieve a high-performing PHC, Dr. Ulep proposed improving incentives (e.g.avoid fragmentation in financing; increase public spending for PHC to reduce out-of-pocket spending; use of blended payments; etc.); resources (increase remuneration of general practitioners relative to specialists; improve working conditions; taking a life-stage approach instead of disease-based; etc.) and organization.  

The open discussion, moderated by Hon. Stella Luz Quimbo, Marikina City 2^nd District Representative, brought to the fore valuable insights from the panelists on the systemic issues plaguing the country’s PHC, which hinders the country from achieving its target health goals.  The panelists proposed possible areas to look into to improve the system including improving time-based access to healthcare; using analytics to determine the vulnerable population; harnessing indigenous knowledge; among others. Hon. Quimbo concluded the discussion by emphasizing that prevention is cheaper than curing a disease. Thus, a roadmap on primary health care is crucial not only to prevent diseases but also to decongest the hospitals. 

The distinguished health panelists included Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa of the Department of Health; President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma, Jr. of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation; Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, Chairperson of the Daniel O. Mercado Medical Center; and Prof. Orville Jose C. Solon of the UP School of Economics. 

The session was attended by Hon. Ciriaco Gato, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, and Hon. Bonifacio Bosita, Member of the Minority from the Committee on Health. Dr. Ulep’s presentation is based on their ongoing study with Dr. Miharu Kimwell, Dr. Denese de Guzman, and Dr. Romelei Camiling-Alfonso under the HRep-Ateneo Project.

Monetary and Financial Agenda Towards Inclusion, Consumer Protection, and Innovation

The afternoon session centered on the theme “Monetary and Financial Agenda Towards Inclusion, Consumer Protection, and Innovation.” Mr. Manuel Aquino, Executive Director of the Socio-Economic Research Bureau at the CPBRD, opened the session emphasizing the importance of the afternoon’s topic. Led by Dr. Luis Dumlao of the Ateneo de Manila University and Congressional Research Fellow of the HRep-Ateneo Project, the discussion emphasized the need to create an environment wherein consumers with no technical finance background are informed and protected. Dr. Dumlao offered several recommendations to improve transparency and empower consumers which includes disclosing “annual percentage rate;” adopting nudges that foster financial inclusion, consumer protection, and innovation; broadening the use of edutainment for financial literacy; among others. 

The presentation received positive feedback from the distinguished panelists which included Ms. Anita Linda Aquino, Monetary Board Member of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; Mr. Benjamin Castillo, Managing Director of the Bankers Association of the Philippines; and Ms. Alyanna Victoria Rivera, Chief Planning Specialist of the Small Business Corporation. Each expert enriched the discussion further by providing inputs coming from the experience of their respective institutions. Hon. Quimbo, who likewise moderated the afternoon session, concluded the discussion by emphasizing the role of the government in promoting transparency and competition in the monetary sector.

The afternoon session was attended by Hon. Rachel Marguerite Del Mar, the Vice Chairperson on the Committee on Appropriations; Hon. Roman Romulo, District Representative of Pasig City Lone District; and Hon. Jaime Fresnedi, Member on the Committee on Appropriations. Dr. Dumlao’s presentation is based on their ongoing study with Dr. Alvin Ang, Dr. Ser Peña-Reyes, and Mr. Genesis Lontoc, under the HRep-Ateneo Project.

The Roundtable Discussion is a regular activity under the HRep-Ateneo Project and is envisioned to be a platform for discourse on critical national issues. 

Check out more of the event photos here. 

To know more about the project, please visit:

• Ateneo Inks Partnership on Conduct of Evidence-Based Research with House of Representatives
• HRep-Ateneo Project’s Inception Workshop: In March to Meet the Objectives
• House of Representatives and Ateneo Research Collaboration Reaches Milestone
• Ateneo holds first round table discussion for Evidence-Based Research Project at the House of Representatives
• HRep-Ateneo Project 2nd Roundtable Discussion: Food Prices and Fiscal Management