Albay: The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday took the opportunity to extend health services and distribute health kits to several schools while they were kicking off the Department of Education's Brigada Eskwela 2025 in Albay province. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration, the government aims to promote a healthy lifestyle among the youth, as students spend a significant amount of their time in school.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the event held at the Bacacay East Central School in Bacacay town, the DOH handed out the 'Bawat Bata Malusog Package' for four schools recognized as champions of health in Bicol. "These kits are a simple thank you for your service for keeping our youth healthy. I thanked all teachers for helping us since Every Child Matters," Herbosa said during his speech.
The package includes essential items such as blood pressure monitors, weighing scales, first aid kits, and other medical supplies for school clinics. Additionally, it contains self-care kits for teachers, exercise kits, and sports kits specifically designed for identified Last Mile Schools. The DOH will also provide disaster readiness kits to prepare schools for emergencies.
During the event, three schools were acknowledged as "healthy schools" and received first aid kits along with emergency go bag kits, namely: Jamorawon National High School in Masbate, San Juan Integrated School in Camarines Sur, and Rinconada National Technical Vocational High School in Camarines Sur. Meanwhile, Fulgueras Elementary School in Camarines Norte was honored as an Outstanding Last Mile School and received a first aid, sports, and mental health kits.
"While the DepEd is preparing school facilities for the upcoming school year, the DOH is providing support to ensure the health of teachers and school personnel," Herbosa said. The DOH-Bicol also offered various health services during the event, including free consultations, vaccinations, X-rays, and laboratory tests, HIV screenings, mental health services, family planning, deworming for children, cancer education, and health literacy initiatives.
The event also focused on nutrition, physical activity, environmental health, immunization, substance use prevention, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and violence and injury prevention. "Our support for health in schools is a step toward nurturing a healthier generation. It is crucial that we prepare not only the school facilities but also the health of teachers and school personnel who manage the institutions where our youth spend much of their time," Herbosa said. He added the initiative aligns with the Universal Health Care Law, which acknowledges schools as vital spaces for advancing the health of young people and staff.
