Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno expanded healthcare access for Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel through a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine-Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (PCCAI), signed on June 17, providing Customs employees with more affordable and accessible medical care when they need it most.
The partnership reflects the continuing push of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the welfare of government workers by ensuring they are given proper care and support as they serve the public.
The agreement was signed with Deputy Commissioner Raul S. Nagrampa of the Internal Administration Group representing Commissioner Nepomuceno, together with PCCAI officials, including Chairman of the Board Mr. Antonio Tan and President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Kelly H. Sia. Through the partnership, BOC personnel may access medical consultation, emergency treatment, hospitalization, and diagnostic services at the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center.
With rising healthcare costs, the agreement offers relief to employees by providing discounts on hospital room accommodations and key diagnostic services such as laboratory tests, pulmonary procedures, and X-rays. These benefits are also available for outpatient care, making routine check-ups and follow-up treatments more affordable.
The agreement also outlines items not covered by the discounts, including blood-related procedures and products, professional fees such as those for arterial blood gas procedures, handling fees, medicines and medical supplies, and other services identified by the hospital as non-discountable.
To avail of the benefits, BOC personnel must present a valid identification card or certification from authorized officials, together with a written referral or endorsement duly noted by the Medical and Dental Division. In emergency situations requiring immediate care, personnel may proceed without prior referral, provided that the required documents are submitted afterward within a reasonable period.
The partnership also upholds strict compliance with the Data Privacy Act, guaranteeing that all personal and medical information of employees will be handled with confidentiality and care.
In his message delivered during the signing, Deputy Commissioner Nagrampa emphasized the importance of taking care of personnel who carry out the BOC’s mandate. “At the Bureau of Customs, our mission is carried out every day by dedicated men and women who work tirelessly in service of the country. As leaders, we have a responsibility not only to demand excellence from our people, but also to ensure that they are cared for,” Nagrampa said on behalf of Commissioner Nepomuceno.
Commissioner Nepomuceno emphasized that taking care of Customs personnel ultimately strengthens public service. “We recognize that a healthy workforce is essential to fulfilling our mandate of trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border protection. Sa pamamagitan ng kolaborasyong ito, lalo nating pinagtitibay ang ating pangako na pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng bawat kawani ng Customs sa buong bansa,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
Through this initiative, the Bureau of Customs continues to invest in its people, ensuring that those who safeguard the country’s borders are, in turn, protected and supported in their health and well-being.
