What it is
The YAKAP health caravan was launched by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara in Patikul, Sulu. This caravan provided direct medical and health services to over 1,600 students, parents, and school personnel. This event coincided with the formal integration of the Sulu Schools Division Office into DepEd Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula).
Key points
- The caravan was conducted under the YAKAP School Health and Protection (YAKAP-SHP) Program, involving DepEd, DOH, DILG, and PhilHealth.
- Services offered included medical check-ups, primary care consultations, dental services, vision screening, and mental health screening.
- The caravan also assisted with PhilHealth registration updates, ID issuance, orientations, and provided free necessary medicines.
- The integration of the Sulu SDO into DepEd Region IX followed the official approval from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) regarding the establishment of SDO Sulu and its 84 non-teaching plantilla positions.
- The transition involves the establishment of a new division office structure, including the OSDS, CID, and SGOD, as per Executive Order No. 91, s. 2025.
Who is affected
The services benefited students and personnel from Kawmpang Elementary School in Patikul, Sulu. Additionally, students and staff from Martirez Elementary School in Jolo also participated in the caravan. The transition affects teachers whose service is being absorbed into the new administrative setup of DepEd Region IX.
What teachers should do
Secretary Angara tasked DepEd Region IX to manage the recruitment, selection, and appointment processes. This process prioritizes qualified personnel currently serving under the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) of BARMM in Sulu, following Civil Service Commission guidelines. The DepEd, in partnership with the provincial government of Sulu, is also planning to build new school buildings for Kawmpang Elementary School.
Source
Official source: deped.gov.ph