06/12/2024
SDO-SGA HOSTS REGIONAL KICK-OFF OF ONE HEALTH WEEK 2024
As part of the effort and initiative of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), through the Health and Nutrition Unit (HNU) under the Office of the Directorate General for Basic Education (DGBE), in continuing the endeavors to deliver health and nutrition services to the Bangsamoro learners and to ensure the continued implementation of these services, the Schools Division Office of Special Geographic Area (SDO-SGA) hosted the Regional Kick-off of One Health Week Celebration yesterday, December 05, 2024 at Olandang High School, Nabalawag, SGA, BARMM with the theme “OK sa MBHTE ang Eskwelahang Healthy.”
Institutionalized by DepEd Order No. 28, series of 2018 titled Policy and Guidelines on Oplan Kalusugan sa Department of Education also referred as “Oplan Kalusugan sa DepEd” which was adapted by MBHTE and became “Oplan Kalusugan sa Bangsamoro”, the Ministry is geared to conduct several health services to the learners and personnel across the region.
In the opening ceremony, Mohiden A. Samplidan, AO V of SGA, warmly welcomed the visitors and participants, expressing the honor of the Division to be chosen as the host for this huge and important event.
Dr. Datu Alkhan U. Sangkula, the Director of the Bureau of Special Education, stated that the purpose of celebrating One Health Week under the Oplan Kalusugan sa Bangsamoro was to promote holistic health and wellness among learners, teachers, and school communities. “Through this collective effort, this kick-off celebration of One Health Week underscores the effort of education in ensuring not only the minds but also the health of every Bangsamoro learners, contributing to the success and over-all quality of life.” Dr. Sangkula emphasized during her speech.
The Director of Bureau of Indigenous People’s Education, Judith Caubalejo, conveyed the support of the Bureau of Indigenous People’s Education (BIPED) in the promotion of health in schools particularly in IPED implementing schools in Indigenous People’s Communities. Ma’am Caubalejo believed that a healthy learning environment is essential for off shaping the holistic development of the Bangsamoro learners, ensuring the best status not only academically but also culturally and physically.
Rural Health Unit of Nabalawag headed by Dr. Narudin Tumagantang II also expressed their support on the programs that promote health and wellness of the community. Dr. Tumagantang conveyed the belief of their unit that a healthy community is a progressive community. Furthermore, he hoped that all the health programs of the Ministry reach all Bangsamoro learners and no Bangsamoro child will be left behind.
The Local Government Units of Nabalawag also showed their support on the program. Honorable Anwar Z. Saluwang, the OIC Municipal Mayor, conveyed his honor for Nabalawag to be chosen as the host of the huge event. “Kami po ay nagagalak na napili ninyo ang aming lugar na pagdadausan ng aktibidad na ito,” Hon. Saluwang said. “Ang aming opisina ay buong pusong nakikiisa sa mga programang pang-edukasyon lalo na sa mga programang pang-kalusugan na tulad nitong One Health Week Celebration sapagkat ito ay isa sa mga initiatibo ng ating Ministry para maprotektahan at mapabuti ang kalusugan ng ating mga mag-aaral at mga manggagawa,” he added.
Abdullah P. Salik, Jr., the Director General for Basic Education, who served as the keynote speaker, encouraged the participants to prioritize the health of everyone. He emphasized to be mindful and observant of one’s health, particularly one’s mental health, for it may affect the holistic development of a person. He also advised the attendees to not be afraid to open up to someone and to seek help whenever necessary in order for any health problems to be given particular attention and remedy.
One of the highlights of the event was the handing over of several hygiene and health kits and supplies to the Division of SGA. The supplies were from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan (TABANG), and Regional Office of MBHTE.
Edgar S. Sumapal, the Schools Division Superintendent of SGA, received the kits and supplies with a grateful heart. He conveyed his gratitude to the donor offices and programs which found their way to extend their services and supplies to the Division. Sir Sumapal also expressed his pride and honor to be chosen as the host Division for the memorable activity. Furthermore, he extended his thanks and gratitude to the Division’s Health and Nutrition Unit (HNU), headed by Diana Djhoanna M. Nor, RN, MPA, for exerting all the effort in order for the event to be successful.
During the activity, several services were rendered to the visitors and attendees. There were medical consultations, eye screening with free eyeglasses, and dental services which were grabbed and enjoyed by the participants. Lectures were also held for the students focusing on Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH), Mental Health, and Basic Life Support or First Aid which was facilitated by the Bureau of Fire Protection Officers.
Contest for Best Booth Display also took place. The primary purpose of the competition was to deliver and showcase each program’s objectives and advocacies. Each Cluster was assigned with 1 Flag Ship Program of OKB, showcasing each program. For School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) and Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP), the assigned Clusters were Pahamuddin 1 and 2, Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) for Nabalawag Cluster, WASH in Schools (WINS) for Kadayangan Cluster, National Drug Education Program (NDEP) and To***co Control Program (TCP) for Old Kaabakan Cluster, Mental Health Awareness Program (MHAP) for Kapalawan Cluster and Medical, Dental, and Nursing Services (MDNS) for Malidegao 1, 2, Ligawasan and Tugunan Clusters.
After an intensive deliberation, the MDNS of Malidegao Cluster 1, 2, Ligawasan and Tugunan, with Sheryna M. Mamalangkap, RN, MAN as the Nurse Adopter was declared as the FIRST PLACER. It was followed by the ARH of Nabalawag with Zairen Gay A. Tagbo, RN, MPA, as the Second Placer, and NDEP and TCP of Old Kaabakan with Michael Jake P. Pendatun, RN, as the Third Placer. Pahamuddin 1 and 2 with Diana Djhoanna M. Nor, RN, MPA, for their SBFP and GPP, Kadayangan with Zairen Gay A. Tagbo for their WINS, and Kapalawan Cluster with Abdulbasser M. Mamaluba, RN, LPT, for their MHAP were declared as the honorable mentions.
The 1st placer received a cash prize of 10,000 pesos, 8,000 pesos for the 2nd placer, 5,000 pesos for the 3rd placer and a consolation prize of 3,000 pesos for each of the other participating programs.
Diana Djhoanna M. Nor, RN, MPA, the Head Nurse of the Division of SGA Health and Nutrition Unit, thanked all the participating units and groups. She encouraged everyone to not waver in committing in rendering efforts to promote health and well-being on the schools. “The commitment to One Health Week requires all of us to engage, collaborate and take actions to protect our future heroes, our learners,” Nurse Nor emphasized. “Through Oplan Kalusugan sa Bangsamoro, we have built a foundation for stronger, healthier, and more resilient schools,” she added.
Activities related to Oplan Kalusugan sa Bangsamoro (OK sa Bangsamoro) and its flagship programs are expected to be implemented throughout the school year wherein all schools are encouraged to conduct activities related to the 6 flagship programs of OKB, particularly geared towards strengthening the six pillars of OKB-HLI.
✍️: Analie S. Antaon
Hamedi B. Kumaka
📸: Ansare K. Ganion
Johanna N. Sampulna
FN Photography
