For many students at Mariveles National High School–Alasasin Annex in Bataan, a routine day turned extraordinary when the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) at Kalinga Caravan arrived at their school.
Medical consultations, vision and dental screenings, and free medicines were delivered right where learners and teachers spend most of their day, bringing healthcare closer to those who need it most.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the rollout, highlighting the government’s commitment to preventive care and the well-being of school communities.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Education (DepEd) jointly implement the program, institutionalizing health and welfare services within schools while promoting a culture of wellness among learners and educators.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the rollout of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program at Kalinga Caravan at Mariveles National High School–Alasasin Annex in Bataan, emphasizing the government’s commitment to preventive care and the well-being of the school community. (PCO)
“Alam naman po natin na ang kalusugan ay kayamanan. Kapag hindi malusog ang ating mga mag-aaral at guro, paano po sila makakapagperform sa school? Kaya malaking tulong po ang YAKAP. Libreng konsulta, libreng gamot, at napaka-blessed po natin for having this program,” DepEd Bataan Schools Division Superintendent Carolina Violeta said.
Bringing services closer to those who need them most
The YAKAP caravan provided free health services to 500 beneficiaries, including learners, teachers, parents, and other members of the school community.
Medical consultations, laboratory tests such as complete blood count and urinalysis, dental and vision screenings, and medicine distribution were conducted onsite.
PhilHealth registration support was also offered, allowing more individuals to access sustained health coverage.
By consolidating services in one accessible venue, the program demonstrated a responsive, people-centered approach to public service delivery.
President Marcos emphasized that the government will continue to expand the program to reach more Filipinos.
“We just made sure that may YAKAP na ginagawa which we also have to expand – which will be expanded because hindi lamang sa DepEd kung hindi sa lahat ng PhilHealth. Kung maalala ninyo ‘yung 60 billion na nalipat sa budget ay ibinalik namin ang 60 billion. So now the PhilHealth has an additional 60 billion so makapag-expand tayo ng mga program,” he said.
He added that accelerating these initiatives is necessary amid global challenges, including the oil crisis and international conflicts, to deliver timely support to families.
Stories of gratitude and impact
For beneficiaries, YAKAP is more than a government program—it is immediate relief and renewed hope.
Jocelyn A. Madelo, parent and resident of Barangay Alasasin, shared how the initiative eased her worries about healthcare expenses.
“Para po sa akin malaking bagay at malaking tulong po itong programa lalo na sa akin na malapit nang mag-senior. Malaki po yung discount kung sakali sa hospitalization at malaking tulong po sa kabuhayan. Maraming salamat po sa ating mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” she said.
Leonelyn Calma, a parent and beneficiary of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program at Kalinga Caravan at Mariveles National High School–Alasasin Annex in Bataan, expresses her gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the free medical services she received. (Aldrin Joshua P. Mallari/PIA 3)
Leonelyn Calma, another parent, also expressed her gratitude after receiving free medical services.
“Isa po kami sa mga pinalad na makatanggap ng serbisyong medikal dito sa programang ito. Malaking tulong po ito lalo na po at mahirap ang buhay. Hindi na po kailangang gumastos para lang sa check-up. Mas masisiguro po ang magandang kalusugan at mabibigyan ng gamot kung tayo ay may karamdaman,” she said.
Investing in health, strengthening the future
More than a one-day caravan, YAKAP represents a strategic investment in the health and productivity of Filipino learners.
By embedding healthcare services within schools, YAKAP strengthens learners’ ability to focus on studies while contributing to healthier, more resilient communities.
As the government continues to strengthen partnerships between PhilHealth and DepEd, initiatives like YAKAP move the country closer to ensuring that healthcare is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of every Filipino.
For communities like Alasasin, this means a future where good health is no longer a burden, but a shared and supported right. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)
