The Department of Health (DOH) bestowed the "Kampeon ng Kalusugan sa Paaralan" to six schools in Ilocos Region during the kickoff of the Nationwide Brigada Eskwela.

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 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).

DOH 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 noted.

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.

"This is in line with the affirmation of President Bongbong Marcos' goal of schools also to be places for maintaining a healthy lifestyle for young people and those who supervise them," he added.

The DOH and the Department of Education are recognizing schools as Healthy Learning Institutions 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 schools received "Bawat Bata Malusog" packages, which include blood pressure monitors, weighing scales, first aid kits, and other medical supplies for their school clinics.

"There were also teachers' self-care kits, exercise, sports kits, as well as disaster readiness kits that can be used in preparation for any disaster," Sydiongco added.