Ang Pahayagan

BALER, Aurora — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the launch of the Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) Caravan on Monday, September 1, at Aurora National High School, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening health and wellness services within the education sector. PhilHealth President Edwin Mercado also joined the event.

The caravan drew strong participation from learners, teachers, non-teaching staff, and their families, reflecting the administration’s thrust to provide inclusive and accessible healthcare services.

Building on the foundation of PhilHealth’s Konsulta program, the YAKAP Caravan expands primary care services to include free medical consultations, essential laboratory procedures, cancer screening tests, and up to PHP20,000 worth of prescription medicines annually. The initiative is aimed at promoting early detection, prevention, and affordable access to health care, encouraging Filipinos to take a proactive approach to their well-being.

The Aurora caravan was made possible through collaboration with 1Life Clinic, which provided logistics, medical personnel, and on-site health services. Officials emphasized that such public-private partnerships play a crucial role in advancing Universal Health Care and bringing services closer to communities. By delivering healthcare directly to schools, the program ensures that students, teachers, and their families can access medical support without the burden of long travel.

Officials from the Department of Education Region III, led by Regional Director Ronnie Mallari, along with DepEd Aurora Schools Division Superintendent Dante Parungao, ensured the preparedness of the school and the community for the event.

DepEd Region III highlighted that the YAKAP Caravan is part of a broader initiative to embed health and wellness into the education system. With strong local support and active community involvement, the program serves as a model for future school-based health interventions nationwide. (Jason de Asis)

📸President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the launch of the YAKAP Caravan in Aurora, bringing free medical services to students, teachers, and their families. The program strengthens school-based healthcare and promotes wellness in the education sector. (Jason de Asis)