By Mary Therese D. Ancheta and Dae Abigael V. Tabilos
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) — The Pag-IBIG Fund Ilocos Norte Branch and Ranada General Hospital have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to make healthcare services more accessible and affordable for Pag-IBIG members in the province.
The signing was held at Robinsons Place Ilocos in San Nicolas on November 3.
Through this partnership, Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Plus holders will receive exclusive benefits, including a 10% discount on laboratory and diagnostic tests at Ranada General Hospital.
Pag-IBIG officials said the initiative supports the agency’s goal to offer more value-added benefits that directly improve the lives of Filipino workers, particularly those who rely on public and private healthcare providers for checkups and treatment.
Doctor Francisco B. Ranada III, medical director of Ranada General Hospital, said the collaboration is rooted in compassionate service.
“Service becomes meaningful when it is rooted in love. This partnership reflects the shared mission of both institutions to serve with heart and purpose,” Ranada said.
Aside for the offer, the hospital is also exploring health education and outreach activities in partnership with Pag-IBIG, promoting preventive care, early testing, and responsible health practices among Ilocanos.
Perlacita A. Roldan, Pag-IBIG Fund vice president for Member Services Operations (North Luzon), said the partnership will enhance members’ access to quality healthcare.
“With healthcare costs rising, every peso saved counts. Partnerships like this provide both practical support and peace of mind,” Roldan said.
Pag-IBIG officials noted that healthcare consistently ranks among the top-three most popular Loyalty Card Plus partner categories in Luzon, following groceries and fuel, highlighting how medical savings are highly valued by members.
Meriam N. Pamittan, area head of Pag-IBIG Fund Ilocos Region, said the 10% discount already makes a substantial difference for members.
“This benefit improves the quality of life of Pag-IBIG members and reinforces our goal to make membership more meaningful beyond savings and loans,” Pamittan said.
She added that Ilocos Region continues to expand its local network of benefit partners, reaching not only urban centers but also secondary and rural areas.
Edison J. Iglesia, Pag-IBIG Ilocos Norte Branch head, said the Ranada General Hospital is now one of over 400 partner institutions nationwide under the Loyalty Card Plus Program, broadening Pag-IBIG’s benefit network.
According to Pag-IBIG Fund, the Loyalty Card Plus serves as an identification and rewards card that allows members to enjoy exclusive discounts, special rates, and perks from partner establishments nationwide.
The program forms part of Pag-IBIG’s broader goal of providing everyday advantages that help Filipino workers save more and live better, supplementing their regular savings and loan benefits.
As the partnership takes effect, both institutions aim to strengthen cooperation that promotes savings, service, and shared development in Ilocos Norte — proving that government–private collaboration can bring real, visible impact to communities. (CCMT/MTDA/DAVT, PIA Ilocos Norte)
