YAKAP benefits Camarines Norte inmates

By Rosalita Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte --- Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the district jail of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Labo were provided with free medical check-ups, laboratory tests, and medicines by the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of the town.

The medical procedures included taking vital signs, initial interviews, and laboratory examinations, such as random blood sugar, uric acid, and cholesterol tests.

The medical care also forms part of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) YAKAP program. The PDLs were also registered in the PhilHealth YAKAP program.

“The successful conduct of this healthcare activity reflects our strong commitment to safeguarding the health and dignity of our PDLs,” said Jail Chief Inspector Louie Angelo Ungria, the acting warden of Labo District Jail.

He said that through the partnership with RHU Labo and the PhilHealth YAKAP program, the facility ensures that quality and accessible medical services reach every PDL.

“A healthy PDL population is vital to effective rehabilitation; the Labo District Jail remains steadfast in promoting holistic care and humane treatment within the facility,” he said.

Alias Alfred, 40 years old, is one of the 227 PDLs who received medical services during the activity held from January 5 to 7, 2026, at the jail facility.

“Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat sa isinagawang health care activity sapagkat nabigyan kami ng pagkakataong malaman ang aming kalusugan kahit kami ay nasa loob ng piitan,” Alfred said.

(I am deeply grateful for this healthcare activity because it allowed us to check on our health even while we are behind bars.)

He also expressed his gratitude to the leadership of Labo District Jail for promoting humane and high-quality health services for PDLs.

“Maraming natuwa dahil kami ay nabigyan ng check up at kasama na ako duon at may libreng gamot na naibigay sa amin,” said alias Caps, another 40-year-old male beneficiary.

(Many were happy because we were given check-ups, myself included, and we were also provided with free medicines.)

He said that the medical mission was a success for PDLs like them, who were allowed to access such services despite being in prison.