The Parañaque Health Card System or Blue Card System is the banner program of the city and administered by the Parañaque Health Plan Office (PHPO). This office was created through a Municipal Ordinance (No. 95-10) to undertake an integrated, comprehensive and effective health development program. The target beneficiaries of this program were the low income families of 168 depressed areas of the city with a population of 194,307. Average income of the beneficiaries ranged from P2,000 to P5,000 per month as identified by social workers, rural health midwives and volunteer health workers.

       Health services provided were as follows: control of sexually transmitted diseases, dental, maternal and child health, expanded immunization, environmental sanitation, national tuberculosis, control of acute respiratory infection, control of diarrhea, under five clinic, leprosy control, family and responsible parenthood, primary health care, urban health and nutrition, traditional medicine, cardiovascular, cancer and mental health. Monthly mission on public health education and environmental sanitation activities were also undertaken. Since the program started, there were 59,699 blue card holders inclusive of their dependents. Financial records showed that the city spent around P25.30 per beneficiary who availed of hospital services and medical supplies. The beneficiaries are now motivated to access the services of health care providers, both private and public, available in their city due to the economic leverage they have gained as blue card holders. Ultimately, the result is a relatively healthier population.

       The Parañaque Health Card System is a showcase of creativity in the implementation of an effective, integrated and comprehensive health development program. It is a program the primary strength of which lies in the LGU’s ability to establish an effective partnership between the city health office, the Community Hospital, the Parañaque Health Plan Office, and the various people’s organizations. It has made significant contributions to the improvement of the social, economic, and health conditions of the economically marginalized sector of Parañaque. More importantly, it has significantly changed the perspective and behavior of the beneficiaries from one of helplessness and apathy to one of confidence, self-reliance and active participation in effecting positive changes in their health and environmental conditions. The program showcases a relatively empowered populace --- city health workers who serve as program volunteers, and program beneficiaries who know what they need and what they want and what they can contribute for the furtherance of a health program which will best benefit them.