CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd)-10 and Department of Health (DOH)-10 are enhancing health and wellness in schools through Oplan Kalusugan sa DepEd (OKD). This initiative aims to foster healthier learning environments, with a competition recognizing outstanding schools in health practices.
“Our focus extends to health, so we partnered with DOH for OKD. The contest motivates schools to become healthier,” said DepEd-10 Regional Director Arturo Bayocot at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum on October 15.
The OKD-Healthy Learning Institution program is underway in four pilot sites, targeting Last Mile Schools (LMS) in Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. DOH will allocate P20 million to support the program via local School Division Offices and LGUs.
This year, four elementary schools emerged as regional winners: Portulin Elementary School (Bukidnon), Roxas Elementary School (Misamis Occidental), Gala Elementary School (Misamis Occidental), and Tinaas Elementary School (Misamis Oriental). These schools will compete at the national level in November 2024.
Beyond OKD, DepEd is tackling issues like teenage pregnancy and rising HIV/AIDS cases. The Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) programs, in collaboration with the Commission on Population and Development (CPD)-10, equip educators to integrate reproductive health education in schools.
DepEd trained 100 principals and school heads from 14 divisions in the CSE-ARH curriculum, empowering them to guide students on reproductive health.
Addressing student mental health is also a priority. The School Mental Health Program under OKD provides essential support to combat depression and suicide risks.
DepEd allocated P8.4 million to provide students with counseling and mental health support.
It also prioritizes the health of teaching and non-teaching staff by enrolling them in PhilHealth’s Konsulta program for free check-ups, lab services, and medicines.
Through these joint efforts, DepEd and DOH are making strides in creating healthier, safer, and supportive learning environments across the region.
