LUBAO, Pampanga — As students return to the classroom this week, the local government unit here led by Mayor Esmie Pineda leaves no stone unturned to assure that schools are not only physically prepared, but that the town’s educators are healthy and well-supported.
From freshly painted classrooms to newly repaired chairs and blackboards, the municipal government ensured that learning spaces are safe and conducive to learning.
Beyond infrastructure, the LGU placed a strong emphasis on the health and wellness of Lubao’s 1,452 public school teachers.
Just days before the official school opening, Mayor Pineda and councilor-elect Jayson Pineda Victorino led a medical mission that offered free health services to teachers covering comprehensive screenings such as blood pressure checks, blood sugar and cholesterol testing, and eye examinations.
Initial results revealed that many educators had elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels – common conditions often neglected due to the pressures of balancing responsibilities at work and at home.
“Sila yung day to day na nakakaharap ng mga bata, dapat makita din ng mga bata na malakas sila. Sila ang mga role model ng mga estudyabnte natin, kailangan natin ng kasiguraduhan na sila mismo ay healthy,” said Victorino.
To address these health concerns, the LGU provided two to three months’ worth of maintenance medication, vitamins, and reading glasses for free.
Since its launch in 2023, the medical mission has remained a priority program of the Lubao LGU, grounded in the belief that healthy teachers create better learning environments for students.
Many teachers expressed appreciation for the support, saying their health is often overlooked due to financial constraints and the demands of daily life.
“Tinatanong niya kung anong pangangailangan, pero mas inuuna niya yung sa health namin kasi syempre kapag nagkasakit ka ano na lang ibibigay mo sa mga bata sa mga anak mo. 2-3 months po ang ibinibigay sa amin so, imbis na pambili mo ng gamot, Ibibili na lang po namin ng pagkain ng mga bata,” said Jennifer Chavez, a public school teacher.
As the academic year begins, Lubao continues to set a strong example of teacher-centered governance, reminding the community that investing in educators is investing in the future.
Press release
