Barmm launches health program

By Teng lauban Datu
Cotabato City Bureau Chief .

Upi, Maguindanao — To ensure the health and nutrition of every student in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the Ministry of Basic Higher and Technical Education officially launched the ‘Oplan Kalusugan’ program on Thursday morning.

The ‘OK sa DepEd’ is a convergence of DepEd’s health programs, plans, policies, and activities for their effective and efficient implementation at the school level.

In adopting the DepEd’s program, Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the MBHTE-Barmm said they will focus on six major program areas such as School-Based Feeding Program; National Drug Education Program; Adolescent Reproductive Health; Water Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools; Mental Health; and Medical, Nursing, and Dental Services.

It is the goal of the Bangsamoro government, Iqbal said to improve the Bangsamoro education system by providing quality, holistic, and relevant education to every learner and ensure the quality of teaching and learning infrastructures in the region.

“It would be unacceptable if our students would miss school days, get behind in their lessons or drop-out due to health-related issues such as malnourishment, unintended pregnancies, and drug addiction,” he added.

The program, he said will help reduce many of the current causes of death and diseases of the students in the region.

“The ministry is committed not only in improving the teaching standards and facilities but also the school performance and learning capacity of every student in the Bangsamoro,” he said.

He will also form a monitoring team to ensure that schools are properly implementing the program.

Various health and nutrition programs were given and demonstrated during the launching of the program at the Pedro Dolores Elementary School. It included hand washing demonstration, feeding program, deworming, and primary medical and dental care. (with reports from bpi-barmm)