DOH donates medical supplies, offers health services during Brigada Eskwela 2025
As part of the Marcos administration's push for healthier lifestyle among youth, the Department of Health rolled out Monday health packages and medical services during the opening of Brigada Eskwela 2025, recognizing the vital role of schools in supporting student well-being.
Led by Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, the DOH honored 83 schools nationwide as "Health Champions" during the launch at Bacacay East Central School in Albay.
The schools received "Bawat Bata Malusog" (Every Child Healthy) packages, which include essential health tools such as blood pressure monitors, weighing scales, first aid kits, and other clinic supplies.
Additional kits tailored for teachers' self-care and physical activity were given to Last Mile Schools.
The DOH also distributed disaster readiness kits to bolster emergency preparedness.
The Health Department also provided "Bawat Bata Mahalaga" (Every Child is Important) kits to Jamorawon National High School, San Juan Integrated School, Rinconada National Technical Vocational School, and Fulgueras Elementary School.
As the Department of Education (DepEd) prepares school facilities for the upcoming academic year, the DOH is working in parallel to ensure the health of teachers and school staff.
Free services provided include medical consultations, vaccinations, X-rays, laboratory tests, HIV screening, mental health services, family planning, deworming, cancer education, and sessions on health literacy covering topics such as nutrition, physical activity, environmental health, substance use prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and violence and injury prevention.
'Ang ating suportang pangkalusugan sa ating mga paaralan ay paghubog na rin natin sa mas malusog na bagong henerasyon. Mahalagang hindi lang ang gusali ng paaralan ang inihahanda, kundi pati ang kalusugan ng mga guro at school personnel na siyang nangangasiwa ng eskwelahan kung saan namamalagi ang kabataan,' said Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
(Our health support for schools is also our way of shaping a healthier new generation. It's important not only to prepare school buildings, but also the health of teachers and personnel who manage the environment where our youth spend much of their time.)
Since the launch of the DOH's Healthy Learning Institutions program in 2022, it has reached 1,457 schools across 55 provinces and cities nationwide. The initiative aims to help schools create environments that nurture the health of both learners and educators.
DOH noted that these effort aligns with the Universal Health Care Law, which recognizes schools as key venues for promoting the health of young people and education sector employees. —Sherylin Untalan/AOL, GMA Integrated News
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