The United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAid), and the Department of Health (DoH) launched in Cebu City the second edition of the Central Visayas Center for Health Development health care referral system operations manual.

The health care referral system ensures the efficient referral of patients among health care providers and is a critical component of the Universal Health Care Law. The new manual contains guidance on implementing the region's upgraded referral system, ensuring strong collaboration among health care providers, local governments, and other health care organizations.