Manila – The Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), has committed to addressing various health issues impacting school-aged children. In a meeting on Monday, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte and Health Secretary Ted Herbosa discussed a range of health-related challenges in schools, including Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI), reported HIV/AIDS cases among school-aged children, teenage pregnancies, and the mental wellness of students.
According to Philippines News Agency, Duterte, many challenges in schools stem from physical and mental health issues, not solely educational quality. The DepEd and DOH will focus on identifying the causes of ILI outbreaks in schools and implement preventive measures to safeguard the health of both students and staff. Efforts will also be concentrated on increasing awareness and providing accurate information to combat the rising incidence of HIV/AIDS among school-age children.
The partnership between the two agencies aims to develop comprehensive strategies to reduce teenage pregnancies and support pregnant students, ensuring they can continue their education. Additionally, programs to address mental health issues among students will be implemented, including stress management, counseling services, and the creation of a supportive environment. By prioritizing the physical and mental well-being of students, DepEd and DOH intend to foster a learning environment conducive to the holistic development of learners.
Duterte expressed gratitude for the collaboration with DOH and emphasized the importance of focusing on students' health to ensure their overall development. In another development, the DepEd also thanked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the timely release of honoraria to teachers and personnel who served in the recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). The agency acknowledged the receipt of 100 percent of the election honoraria by DepEd personnel and extended gratitude to the Public Attorney's Office, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other agencies for their support during the polls.