Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin The Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), has expanded the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) caravan. This initiative aims to improve student health by providing free medical checkups and essential medicines, especially in underserved areas. The recent event in Bogo City, Cebu, served around 200 beneficiaries, mostly students, offering medical consultations and other health services to enhance learning conditions. Get today's headlines by email The program, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, seeks to embed preventive health care within schools. By linking local healthcare providers with schools, the initiative addresses common health issues such as vision problems and nutritional deficiencies, which can impact academic performance. The program is part of a broader strategy to remove barriers to education and create safer learning environments. Experts, including Secretary Angara, emphasize the importance of prioritizing student wellness for academic success. The initiative is aligned with President Marcos’ directive to ensure inclusive education, even amidst challenging circumstances. During the Cebu event, newly constructed disaster-resilient Learning Continuity Spaces were also showcased, designed to maintain uninterrupted education during emergencies. Looking forward, the YAKAP caravan will expand to more schools, with the next event planned in Bataan. This expansion aims to reach additional remote areas, continuing to provide healthcare and reducing financial burdens on families. The program is integral to DepEd’s policy of making healthcare accessible to support educational outcomes, reported Manila Bulletin. Join the discussion? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Manila Bulletin · 18 Mar 2026
