One’s health, as many studies have shown, is best understood as a multifaceted outcome from different yet interdependent variables. In education, health-related barriers such as malnutrition, preventable diseases, and unhealthy behavior and environment, among many others, have persistently undermined academic performance and the education experience of learners across the country. Through the OK sa DepEd (OKD) Flagship Programs, the Department of Education (DepEd) has continuously strived to ensure the health and well-being of learners. These include the School Mental Health Program (SHMP), School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), Medical, Dental, and Nursing Services (MDNS), National Drug Education Program (NDEP), Wash in Schools (WINS), and the Adolescent Reproductive Health Program (ARHP). These programs ensure that learners have access to basic health care services and are taught healthy behaviors to achieve better learning outcomes.
Meeting with PhilHealth Regional Office VIII and DepEd RO VIII Medical Officer and Technical Assistant I
With the start of the new school year 2025-2026, DepEd has only strengthened this effort through the conduct of Mandatory Learner Health Assessment (LHAS) and the registration of learners in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) as mandated in the Department Memorandum No. 50, s. 2025. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has also been forged between DepEd and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to bolster health protection of Filipino learners registered in public schools. These actions seek to improve the health coverage of learners from basic to a more comprehensive health coverage. By reducing financial burden through the insurance program and being an accredited school clinics, DepEd hopes to encourage proactive health behavior in learners and parents through affordable and accessible quality health services.
Learner Health Assessment by SDO Leyte Nurse
