No bill to pay: How ZBB brought hope to typhoon-stricken family

OPINION | Letter to the Editor Posted on 2026-03-10 05:35:35

After losing their home to a typhoon and living on a small income, Janet Degolacion, 42, and her mother, Edilberta Bingcula, 64, faced another worry: their 17-year-old daughter, Jai May, needed surgery.

On January 13, they brought Jai May to Cebu Provincial Hospital–Balamban after she complained of severe abdominal pain. The family, surviving on about P2,000 a week for five children, feared how they could pay for treatment.

“The money we have barely covers school and daily needs,” Degolacion said.

Doctors recommended an appendectomy, and the family prepared for the hospital bill. Bingcula only had P1,000 with her and was ready to approach the Malasakit Center for assistance.

To their surprise, they later learned they didn’t have to pay anything. Under the hospital’s Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) system, even medicines were free.

“We were so grateful. We didn’t have to worry about the money at all,” Bingcula said.

Their discharge coincided with a visit from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who inspected the hospital and donated medical equipment and financial support for facility upgrades.

Degolacion thanked the President, PhilHealth, and the Department of Health for making care free and accessible.

“This program is a huge help for families like ours,” she said.
NPO News Team | PNA Philippine News Agency - PR

Share:

Writer :

Link :