 |
(L-R):
Gov. Romualdo, Gov. Moreno, Sec. Lapus, Gov. Sacdalan,
Gov. Ocampos and Gov. Macias. |
With
the success of the implementation of the Essential Health
Care Package program in 23 provinces, the DepEd has adopted
this program as part of its pilot programs.
Sec. Jesli Lapus likewise personally presented to the League
of Provinces of the Philippines and the 23 provinces implementing
EHCP the Plaque of Recognition.
Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno, whose province was the
first to implement the program, gave a testimonial on how
the provincial government has improved the attendance of
grade school children for less than P25 per student yearly
through the EHCP.
Sec.
Lapus revealed that results of the oral health survey showed
that 95% of school children have dental carries.
Studies
also show that diarrhea and respiratory tract infection
are the highest causes of death among schoolchildren and
toothache, the leading cause of absenteeism.
He said that low performance in school has been caused by
hygiene problems, which the DepEd seeks to address through
simple, doable and cost-effective programs such as toothbrushing
and proper handwashing.
Lanao
del Norte Gov. Khalid Dimaporo said that their province
has recently adopted the EHCP, but instead of beginning
with the grade school pupils, they have opted to start with
the pre-school.
North Cotabato Gov. Jesus Sacdalan, said that while the
province is interested to implement the project, but government
regulations require a bidding.
Sec. Lapus said that since the toothpaste used for the program
is a specially designed package, local manufacturers cannot
make the toothpaste.
Negros Oriental Gov. Emilio Macias, one of the 23 provinces
already implementing the EHCP, also suggested that in order
ensure the program’s long-term sustainability despite
a change in administration, the current leadership should
seal the program with a memorandum of agreement, so that
the succeeding leaders would be obligated to continue it.
(AJSanchez)
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