With the Sangguniang Panlalawigan granting authority on the matter, Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza could now sign a Memorandum of Agreement with two Metro Manila-based providers of medical and PhilHealth GAMOT services covering the province of Catanduanes.
According to a copy of the MOA secured by the Tribune, the deal between the provincial government, FTCC Solutions, Inc., and RGMed Pharma formalizes a partnership for the establishment of an accredited, province-wide PHilGamot dispending network in Catanduanes “in a manner that is non-exclusive and intended merely to augment existing healthcare services and dispensing networks available to constituents, in coordination with concerned municipal governments.”
Under the PhilHealth YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan at Proteksyon) Program, primary healthcare services are offered to all PhilHealth members and their dependents through free consultations, medicines, 13 routine laboratory tests and screenings for six (6) types of cancers, including mammogram and colonoscopy to promote early detection for chronic diseases.
On the other hand, PhilHealth GAMOT (Government’s Access to Medicines for Optimized Treatment) is a benefit that lets members access 75 specific medicines through the primary care network with no out-of-pocket cost, up to an annual limit of P20,000.00.
The agreement describes Filipino Trusted Care Center (FTCC) Solutions, Inc. as a corporation based in Wack-Wack Greenhills, Mandaluyong City, with a certain Paulino B. Fernandez Jr. as authorized representative, while RGMed Pharma is an FDA-licensed and PhilHealth-accredited pharmacy operator represented by one Rica Mae Fabian Tolentino.
The document did not provide an address for RG Med Pharma but a check of its social media account “RG-Med Pharmacy” shows its offices share the same building with FTCC Solutions, Inc. at the Global Link Center, 710 Shaw Blvd., Wack-Wack Greenhills, Mandaluyong City.
The RGMed account also posts content from the FTCC Solutions socmed account, with the latter describing RGMed as “a trusted partner.”
Pursuant to the MOA, the partnership between the PLGU and the two business entities aims to improve access to PhilHealth-covered essential medicines at no out-of-pocket cost to the qualified beneficiaries, and at no cost to the province of Catanduanes.
To achieve this, it will “establish a province-wide accredited dispensing network, anchored on hub outlets in Virac (provincial capital) and Viga, and extended through mobile Yakap Caravan runs to the remaining nine (9) municipalities.”
Also to be provided are technical and administrative support in coordinating PhilGamot implementation with the Provincial Health Office and concerned municipal health offices; conduct medical activities, health information campaigns, and patient assistance programs in coordination with local health offices; and, generate local employment opportunities for pharmacists, healthcare workers, and support personnel across the province.
Under the deal, the PLGU shall “endorse and support the establishment of PhilGamit dispensing outlets and Yakap Caravan coverage” within the province; facilitate coordination between FTCC/RGMed Pharma and the concerned municipal LGUs, PHO, and relevant provincial offices for the smooth implementation of the program; assist in the dissemination of information regarding the program to its constituents, particularly PhilHealth members and indigent patients, in all towns; and, “provide reasonable assistance in identifying suitable space or facilities for dispensing outlets and Yakap Caravan staging areas…including coordination for inter-island and/or inter-municipal logistics given the province’s island geography.”
FTCC shall provide administrative, technical, and partnership support in the implementation of the program on a province-wide basis; coordinate between the province and its municipal LGUs and RGMed Pharma to ensure compliance with PhilHealth GAMOT requirements; and, assist in the preparation of documentary requirements for accreditation and program compliance.
On the other hand, RGMed Pharma is obligated to operate the PhilGamot dispensing outlets and mobile Yakap Caravan services in accordance with FDA and PhilHealth accreditation standards; ensure the availability of PhilHealth-covered essential medicines at no out-of-pocket cost to the qualified beneficiaries, and at no cost to the PLGU/MLGU; employ or engage qualified pharmacists and support personnel prioritizing qualified local residents where feasible; and, maintain proper records and reports as may be required for PhilHealth claims and program monitoring.
The agreement takes effect upon signing by the parties and will remain in force for three (3) years, unless earlier terminated or extended by mutual written agreement.
The MOA does not state why or how the provincial government chose FTCC Solutions and RG-Med Pharma as its partners despite the presence of eight (8) accredited PhilHealth Gamot providers in Catanduanes.
In the PhilHealth list are four (4) branches of The Generic Pharmacy (TGP) in Virac, San Andres and Viga; MDBS Pharmacy in Baybay, Caramoran; Juan M. Alberto Memorial District Hospital in San Andres; Catanduanes Doctors Hospital, Inc. (CDHI) in Virac; and Bridge MedLab Medical Clinic and Laboratory in Libod, Pandan.
A check of the website of FTCC Solutions, Inc. shows that aside from its Mandaluyong City main clinic, it has established only one medical clinic elsewhere: the FTCC Medical Center in Ligao, Albay that was inaugurated last July 2026.
However, the website lists several “not yet started” sites: North Caloocan, South Caloocan, Makati City, Camarines Sur, Cabanatuan, Surigao, Pampanga, Bulacan, Quezon City and Pasig City.
RG Med’s socmed account does not list any other branch aside from its Mandaluyong City office that shares the same building with FTCC Solutions.