Manila: Schools across the country received health equipment and medical services as part of this year's "Brigada Eskwela" kickoff event Monday, ahead of the opening of classes next week. About 83 schools nationwide were honored by the Department of Health (DOH) as "health champions" and were given 'Bawat Bata Malusog' (Every Child Healthy) packages, which include blood pressure monitors, weighing scales, first aid kits, and other essential items for school clinics.
According to Philippines News Agency, Last Mile Schools also benefited from kits containing teacher self-care items and sports and exercise equipment. To enhance disaster preparedness, the DOH is also distributing emergency response kits. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa distributed some of the items in his visit to Bacacay East Central School in Albay where the program was launched. He turned over the first batch of kits to "health champions" awardees Jamorawon National High School, San Juan Integrated School, Rinconada National Technical Vocational School, and Fulgueras Elementary School.
'Ang ating suportang pangkalusugan sa ating mga paaralan ay paghubog na rin natin sa mas malusog na bagong henerasyon (Our health support to schools shapes new healthy generations)," Herbosa said. "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 (Not only school buildings must be prepared, but also the health of teachers and school personnel that manage the schools where learners spend most of their time)."
The annual "Brigada Eskwela" activities are carried out before a new school year begins, where people voluntarily help to do clean up and repairs of classrooms. In partnership with the Department of Education, the DOH also provided free medical services on site during the launch. These include consultations, vaccinations, X-rays, laboratory testing, HIV screening, mental health support, family planning services, and deworming.
Health literacy campaigns on nutrition, physical activity, environmental health, substance abuse prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and injury prevention were also held. Launched in 2022, this initiative is part of the Healthy Learning Institutions program, which has reached 1,457 schools in 55 provinces and cities nationwide. It aims to promote student and teacher wellness through school-based health initiatives and to support the Universal Health Care Law, recognizing schools as critical platforms in safeguarding and improving public health.
