via GRAPHIC PLUS — As part of preparations for the opening of the new School Year on June 8, 2026, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive is clear: Ensure that public schools are ready and safeguard the welfare of students.
While classrooms are being extensively prepared through Brigada Eskwela, PhilHealth is strengthening health protection for students, teachers, and personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) through YAKAP.
With the help of YAKAP, essential healthcare services are brought closer to schools and communities. As a result, illnesses are identified and addressed earlier, helping reduce student absences from class and parents’ absences from work due to their children’s illnesses.
Schools are among the priority areas for the implementation of YAKAP so that, from an early age, students can receive regular guidance from their chosen Primary Care Provider on how to care for their health. Through easier access to healthcare services, they can focus more on their studies.
At present, 66 schools have already benefited from YAKAP, with a total of 7,084 beneficiary students, teachers, and personnel. This number is expected to increase further in the coming days through the continued collaboration of PhilHealth and DepEd to promote a healthier student community.
Under YAKAP, beneficiaries may receive consultations, necessary laboratory and diagnostic procedures, and medicines based on the assessment and recommendations of their Primary Care Provider.
According to PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, “Our participation in Brigada Eskwela goes beyond preparing their environment. Our goal is to build a strong health protection system for our students. Through YAKAP, we are realizing the President’s vision of providing parents with peace of mind regarding their children’s health even before the start of classes.”
Registration for YAKAP may be completed through the eGov App or at PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Offices (LHIOs).
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