Written by: Annelle Tayao-Juego
Unilab, Inc.’s (Unilab) Safe Schools, Safe Kids (3SK) initiative, a cornerstone of the pharmaceutical and health care company’s Alaga sa Kalusugan ng Pamayanan (AKAP) Guro program, continues to expand its reach across the Philippines as it partners this year with more local government units, non-government organizations, and medical institutions in Visayas and Mindanao: Governor Celestino Gallares Medical Center, Department of Education and the Schools Division Office of Bohol; and the Tzu Chi Foundation Zamboanga Liaison Office, Zamboanga City Medical Center, Ciudad Medical Zamboanga, Ateneo de Zamboanga School of Medicine, Department of Education and the Schools Division Office of Zamboanga.
Unilab’s 3SK initiative will continue to provide basic health services to public school teachers, most especially to those who have comorbidities; capacity building to acquire skills in handling medical emergencies; and health education, in order to implement health programs in schools, particularly if there are seasonal or urgent health concerns.
From L-R: Dr. Casiana P. Caberte, Schools Division Superintendent, Department of Education- Bohol; Dr. Mutya Kismet T. Macuno, Medical Center Chief II, Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center; Claire Papa, Head, External Affairs and Social Partnerships, Unilab, Inc.; Dr. Wilfreda Bongalos, Schools Division Superintendent, Schools Division Office Tagbilaran
The program remains focused on its ultimate goal: to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for students across the country by first empowering educators and looking after their well-being. It seeks to address the many health-related challenges that they experience, amidst juggling heavy workloads in the exercise of their commitment to their profession.
From L to R: Atty. Jhihann C. Hairun Natividad, President, Ciudad Medical Zamboanga; Dr. Anton Mari Lim, DVM, OIC, Tzu Chi Foundation, Zamboanga Liaison Office; Claire Papa, Head, External Affairs and Social Partnerships, Unilab Inc.; Dr. Ahmad Ameenkar C. Wata III, RN, MN, Medical Officer III, Zamboanga City Division; Dr. Jaybee Bazaan, Dean, Ateneo de Zamboanga-College of Medicine; Dr. Jaime Kristoffer Punzalan, Executive Assistant for Special Projects, Zamboanga City Medical Center
Claire Papa, Head, External Affairs and Social Partnerships, Unilab Inc.
“The launch of Safe Schools, Safe Kids [in the Visayas and Mindanao] marks the continuation of Unilab’s community-based initiatives that enable bayanihan in action,” said Claire Papa, Unilab’s Head of External Affairs and Social Partnerships, at the Bohol launch. “We believe that teachers play a crucial role in creating a conducive learning environment. When equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills, they can take charge of their own health and ensure the same for their students as well.”
Dr. Jaybee Bazaan, Dean, Ateneo de Zamboanga-College of Medicine, shared that the partnership with Unilab, Inc., is just the beginning of more collaborations for teachers.
“Part of the mission of our school is to help solve medical problems in the region. Teachers are one subset of patients that we want to focus on,” added Dr. Jaybee Bazaan, Dean, Ateneo de Zamboanga-School of Medicine. “Because if the teachers are healthy, we can assume that the students are healthy, and our community will be healthy.”
Initially implemented in three cities in the National Capital Region (Quezon City, Mandaluyong, and Navotas), 3SK has rapidly grown to encompass partnerships with various government agencies, healthcare institutions, and local communities. In 2023, 3SK made significant strides with its collaboration with the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga for two pilot schools in the city. This partnership served as a model for future collaborations, demonstrating the effectiveness of working with tertiary government hospitals. Soon after, the City Health Offices of Floridablanca, Mabalacat, San Simon and Bacolor followed suit, with the intent of capacitating the clinic teachers of public schools in their respective localities.
This year, Unilab forged another partnership with the City of Biñan, Laguna’s City Health Office, following the same model as the other municipalities in Pampanga. The program’s success has been attributed to its comprehensive, well-rounded, and multi-stakeholder approach. It is also a manifestation of the company’s Alagang Unilab advocacy, which aims to provide relevant services to Filipinos at the community level.
During the launch, Dr. Mutya Kismet T. Macuno, Medical Center Chief II, Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center expressed her appreciation to 3SK as it recognizes the need to reach out to teachers.
“We are excited to bring the 3SK program to our region,” said Dr. Mutya Kismet Macuno, Medical Center Chief II of the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center. “This initiative will greatly benefit our teachers and students, providing them with access to essential healthcare services and education.”
Dr. Anton Mari Lim, DVM, OIC, Tzu Chi Foundation, Zamboanga Liaison Office shared that he is hopeful that the collaboration with 3SK will enable them to serve more people.
Added Dr. Anton Lim of the Tzu Chi Foundation, Zamboanga Liaison Office: “We are very happy that our teachers are getting the help that they deserve. When they are healthy, then our students will learn more.”
As the Philippines continues to navigate the challenges of the education sector, programs like 3SK are essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of both teachers and students. Unilab’s commitment to community-based initiatives and collaboration with various stakeholders is a testament to the company’s dedication to improving the lives of Filipinos.
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