1,600 learners from Kawmpang Elementary School benefited from free medical, dental, vision, and mental health services through the YAKAP Health and Kalinga Caravan, bringing essential healthcare directly to students to one of the country’s geographically isolated communities.
Held during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s visit to Sulu on October 20, 2026, the health caravan highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to keeping students healthy, engaged, and ready to learn.
The initiative was led by Secretary of Education Sonny Angara, PhilHealth Regional Office BARMM (PRO BARMM) Acting Regional Vice President Atty. Dagoroan A. Macarambon II, and the Department of Health (DOH) which aimed to eliminate healthcare barriers for schoolchildren and their families.
Through the YAKAP program, students received comprehensive health assessments, including primary care consultations, dental checkups, vision screenings, and mental health evaluations. These preventive services enabled health professionals to identify and address health conditions that may interfere with learning and overall well-being of the school children.
The vision screenings helped detect eye conditions that can affect academic performance, while dental consultations tackled common oral health issues. Additionally, mental health evaluations helped identify students needing psychosocial support and early intervention.
Beyond healthcare services for students, PRO BARMM also st up a PhilHealth service desk at the venue to assist parents and guardians with membership registration, profile updating, and enrollment in their preferred YAKAP clinics. The onsite assistance enabled families to access PhilHealth services without the need to travel long distances to access healthcare assistance.
The caravan’s school-based approach allowed health professionals to identify and address medical concerns early, helping prevent conditions that could adversely affect students’ attendance, participation, and academic achievement.
