Manila: The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is strengthening health protection for students, teachers, and personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) through its YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) initiative.
According to Philippines News Agency, the state insurer revealed in a news release that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed related government agencies to ensure public schools are ready and to protect the welfare of students in preparation for the June 8 school opening.
To date, a total of 66 schools have already benefited from the program, recording an initial running total of 7,084 beneficiaries composed of students, teachers, and school personnel. This figure is expected to increase in the coming days through the continuous collaboration between PhilHealth and DepEd to promote a healthier student community.
Through YAKAP, essential health services are brought directly closer to schools and communities. Because of this, illnesses are identified and addressed at an earlier stage, helping reduce classroom absenteeism among students and work absences among parents caring for sick children.
Schools are designated among the priority areas for YAKAP's implementation so that students, from a young age, can receive regular health guidance from their chosen primary care provider. Under the YAKAP program, the 7,084 beneficiaries can receive medical consultations, required laboratory and diagnostic procedures, and medicines based on the checkup and recommendation of their primary care provider.
PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado stated, "Ang aming pakikilahok sa Brigada Eskwela ay higit pa sa paghahanda ng kanilang kapaligiran. Layunin naming makabuo ng isang matibay na proteksyong pangkalusugan para sa ating mga mag-aaral (Our participation in Brigada Eskwela goes beyond preparing their physical environment. Our goal is to build a robust health shield for our students)."
Eligible beneficiaries may register for the YAKAP program using the eGov App or by visiting PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Offices.
