THE Department of Health (DOH) bestowed the “Kampeon ng Kalusugan sa Paaralan” to six (6) schools in the Ilocos Region during the “Nationwide Brigada Eskwela Kick-Off 2025” held at Bacacay East Central School in Albay on June 9, 2025.
Among the 83 national winners were Las-Ud Elementary School (Outstanding) from Tagudin, Ilocos Sur; Anda National High School (Very Satisfactory) from Anda, Pangasinan; and Sagpatan Elementary School (Satisfactory) from Brgy. San Cristobal, Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, under the Healthy School Category.
In addition, three (3) schools under the Last Mile Category also received recognition: Taguiporo Elementary School in Bantay, Ilocos Sur (Outstanding); Danac Elementary School in Sugpon, Ilocos Sur(Very Satisfactory); and Ambalayat Integrated School in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur (Satisfactory).
Secretary Ted Herbosa said that health and education are closely related and mutually beneficial. “Education improves health outcomes and well-being, while health is vital for learning and educational attainment.”
Herbosa added that the health department will be providing medical services during the Brigada Eskwela for students and teachers to prepare them for the opening of classes this month.
“Alinsunod ito sa pagpapatibay ng layunin ng Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na maging lugar din ang mga paaralan sa pagpapanatili ng malusog na pamumuhay ng mga kabataan at ng mga nangangasiwa nito,” he stated.
The DOH and the Department of Education (DepEd) are recognizing schools as Healthy Learning Institutions (HLIs) to promote and strengthen school health and nutrition programs by creating safe and healthy learning environments.
The program is based on a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, involving various stakeholders to improve school health and well-being.
Aside from recognition, DOH Ilocos Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco said that the six (6) schools received *Bawat Bata Malusog* packages, which include blood pressure monitors, weighing scales, first aid kits, and other medical supplies for their school clinics.
“Mayroon ding teacher’s self-care kits at exercise and sports kits, at may kasama pang karagdagang disaster readiness kits na magagamit bilang paghahanda sa anumang sakuna para naman sa mga last mile schools,” she emphasized.
The DOH and the Department of Education continue to work together upang tiyakin ang kalusugan at kahandaan ng bawat paaralan, guro, at estudyante sa pagbubukas ng klase ngayong taon.
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