DOH gives health packages to schools

THE Department of Health (DOH) launched a nationwide initiative on Monday to promote health and wellness in schools for Brigada Eskwela 2025, underscoring its commitment to nurturing a healthy learning environment for the Filipino youth.

During the program's opening ceremony at Bacacay East Central School in Albay, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa announced the distribution of health packages to 83 schools recognized as Kampeon ng Kalusugan (Champions of Health).

Each school will receive the "Bawat Bata Malusog" (Each Child is Healthy) health kit, that includes essential medical supplies such as blood pressure monitors, weighing scales and first aid kits for use in school clinics.

Specialized packages containing teacher self-care kits as well as exercise and sports kits are also being provided to Last Mile Schools — remote schools with limited access to services. Additionally, disaster readiness kits are being distributed to improve schools' emergency preparedness.

Several schools, including Jamorawon National High School, San Juan Integrated School, Rinconada National Technical Vocational School, and Fulgueras Elementary School, were among the first recipients of the kits during Monday's event.

While the Department of Education (DepEd) focuses on preparing school facilities for the upcoming academic year, the DOH is complementing these efforts by providing on-site medical services.

These include free consultations, vaccinations, X-rays, lab tests, HIV screening, mental health support, deworming for children, cancer awareness, and health literacy education covering nutrition, physical activity, environmental health, immunization, substance use prevention, and sexual and reproductive health.

"Our efforts to support schools with health services are also an investment in raising a healthier new generation," said Herbosa. "We must prepare not just the classrooms, but also the health of our teachers and school personnel who are vital in shaping our youth."

Since its launch in 2022, the DOH's Healthy Learning Institutions program has reached over 1,457 schools in 55 provinces and cities across the country. The program aims to create school environments that actively promote the well-being of both students and educators.

The initiative aligns with the Universal Health Care Law, which recognizes schools as critical venues for advancing youth and employee health.