OPINION
Yakap in school
For us parents, expanding healthcare services into educational environments would establish a supportive atmosphere where our children are nurtured both physically and mentally.
If you are tired of the daily negative news and the chaos surrounding the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, here’s a positive development many media outlets overlooked.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has launched YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program), an initiative that supports children’s well-being and healthcare in schools and facilities that serve them.
YAKAP is a collaboration among the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
The program recognizes that schools are important communities and not just places of learning. It institutionalizes the YAKAP School Health and Protection Program by establishing a comprehensive approach to ensuring healthcare access for Filipino children.
Children’s health is often overlooked in favor of other urgent matters. For us parents, expanding healthcare services into educational environments, including public and private schools, community learning centers, and child development facilities, would establish a supportive atmosphere where our children are nurtured both physically and mentally.
It also promises inclusivity, as the benefits extend not only to students but also to teaching and non-teaching staff, their dependents, and even out-of-school youth.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s comments about positive advancements in children’s health make us hopeful that implementing YAKAP-SHP could signal a new beginning for child health services in educational institutions.
The DILG’s role in promoting this initiative shows us the importance of community collaboration.
Local government units (LGUs) should incorporate YAKAP into their existing child protection and development systems to take a comprehensive approach to the various health challenges children face.
The framework outlined in the memorandum shows great potential, but its success depends on its implementation. Local governments need to mobilize their resources and personnel effectively while engaging families and communities to ensure the program reaches the children who need assistance the most. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation will also be crucial to adapt the program and ensure it meets the diverse needs of our population.
The YAKAP in school program emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, advancing health infrastructure tailored for the youth. Children, regardless of their family’s socioeconomic status, deserve full government protection. Every child is vulnerable and needs support, care, and safeguarding from harm, abuse and neglect. Having YAKAP in school can help identify and treat health issues early.
Speaking of YAKAP, regular beneficiaries have complained about insufficient medicine and funding, which can limit its ability to meet the youth’s diverse needs. Concerns about staffing availability could affect the quality of the care and support provided.
We urge local governments and their partners to uphold initiatives that promote and safeguard children’s health and well-being.
The collaboration and proactive strategies will shape Yakap’s long-term impact on the younger generation. By continually