San juan city: The Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) on Monday introduced the Eskwela Kalusugan: Bawat Bata Malusog sa NCR program to promote child health and wellness in schools across the National Capital Region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative is a collaborative effort with the Department of Education (DepEd), local government units, and other key stakeholders. It aims to tackle the issues of child malnutrition and health problems through early detection, intervention, and education.
The launch event at Pinaglabanan Elementary School in San Juan City featured free health assessments for Kindergarten to Grade 1 pupils. These assessments included physical and nutritional checks to identify potential health issues early. The event also included health information sessions attended by school administrators, local health workers, parents, and students.
DOH-MMCHD Regional Director Lester Tan emphasized the program's goals, stating, "Through Eskwela Kalusugan, we affirm our collective goal of ensuring that every child in the National Capital Region is healthy, safe, and ready to learn. We are investing in a generation that is not only educated but also empowered to thrive."
The initiative is part of the DOH's larger strategy to combat child stunting, which is associated with long-term developmental delays and reduced productivity. The National Nutrition Council warns that the Philippines could face a loss of PHP2.3 trillion in productivity by 2030 if malnutrition remains unaddressed. The government's goal is to reduce the national stunting rate from 27 percent to 13.5 percent.
With the theme 'Bawat Bata Malusog sa NCR,' the program highlights the importance of early intervention and the collective responsibility of schools, families, and communities in fostering children's health. In addition to medical assessments, Eskwela Kalusugan includes parental education sessions to enhance the role of homes in promoting child wellness.
The initiative aligns with the DOH's 8-Point Action Agenda and supports the Universal Health Care Law by fostering collaboration between the health and education sectors at the community level. With this launch, DOH-MMCHD aims to create a positive impact across Metro Manila schools, ensuring healthier and more resilient learners prepared for success both in and out of the classroom.
