By Michael A. Taroma
BALER, Aurora (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the launch of the Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) Caravan in Aurora to promote physical and mental health in schools.
It is part of the Clinics for Learners’ Access to School-health Services Plus (CLASS+), a program of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) that connects school clinics with the local health system.
Marcos said programs like CLASS+ and YAKAP embody his administration’s whole-of-nation approach ensuring support for Filipino families, especially teachers and the youth.
During the caravan, more than 200 elementary students received free eye check-ups.
About 350 teachers, non-teaching personnel, and high school students also availed of medical services such as X-rays, ECG, urinalysis, and ultrasound.
DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara stressed the importance of expanding health interventions in schools by sustaining collaborations with partner agencies and stakeholders.
“The health of our school communities is the foundation of quality education. Through CLASS+ and YAKAP, we are ensuring that the DepEd family has the strength and vitality to achieve our collective goals,” he said.
Meanwhile, PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin Mercado expressed support for the program, citing its role in promoting preventive health care and making medical services more accessible to students and teachers.
He said the state firm will continue working with national agencies, local government, and health partners to broaden access to primary health services.
YAKAP, an enhanced primary care benefit, covers consultations, laboratory tests, cancer screenings, and essential medicines to strengthen early detection and preventive health care for all Filipinos.
The caravan will expand to more schools nationwide, ensuring that health support becomes a sustained pillar of every learning environment and contributes to building a healthier, more resilient generation. (CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)
############
———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.
