"Do we need to register first to the National Health Facility Registry (NHFR) before registering to HEAPS? "

Yes. The health facility must be registered to the NHFR in accordance with Administrative Order (AO) No. 2019-0060 . Only those health facilities registered in the NHFR will be able to register in HEAPS. If the name of the health facility cannot be found in  HEAPS, the health facility may inquire with their respective regional Regulations, Licensing, and Enforcement Division (RLED) for inclusion to the NHFR.