By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Apart from bringing justice-related services closer to Muslim brothers and sisters in Sulu, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. also brought with him healthcare services for students, teachers, and their families.
This, as he oversaw the implementation of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) during his visit to Kawmpang Elementary School in Patikul town on Tuesday.
Upon his arrival, the President was warmly welcomed by approximately 1,600 students, parents, and teachers (including 366 from Martirez Elementary School in Jolo town) eagerly awaiting to avail of free healthcare services through various booths that facilitated the following activities:
- PhilHealth registration
- Initial patient assessments
- Medical examinations
- Dental consultations
- Distribution of free medicines
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement, “Tulad ng laging paalala ni Pangulong Marcos, kailangang sabay nating pinangangalagaan ang kaisipan at kalusugan ng ating mga estudyante at guro.”
YAKAP establishes public schools as hubs for primary healthcare, bringing these services to their respective constituencies without having to travel to hospitals or health centers, which complements the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program designed to address the students’ health-related needs.
The program also promotes early detection of health conditions that may affect children’s learning, including poor eyesight, hearing problems, dental concerns, malnutrition, and developmental difficulties.
Students requiring further medical attention, including learners with disabilities, may also be referred to appropriate healthcare providers.
The Education Chief concluded, “Sa pagdadala natin ng YAKAP health caravan dito sa Patikul at sa pormal na pagpapasailalim ng SDO Sulu sa DepEd Region IX, tinutupad natin ang utos ng Pangulo na magdala ng mabilis at direktang serbisyo habang pinapatibay ang suporta sa edukasyon sa buong lalawigan.”
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