05/03/2026
A healthier start for every learner begins with prevention.
February 26, 2026 marked the official Kick-off of the School-Based Deworming Activity at Valugan Integrated School, a key initiative under the Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) Control Program of the Department of Health. The activity brought together educators, health workers, and learners in a collective effort to protect children from intestinal worm infections that can affect their growth, nutrition, and learning capacity.
This program acknowledges the important but often overlookd public health issue, intestinal parasitism, which can effect the nutritional status of a learner further affecting their concentration, schoold attendance and academic performance. Deworming, therefore, supports not only the physical health but also the cognitive development and school readiness.
Through this initiative, schoolchildren were provided with safe and effective deworming tablets, along with health education on proper hygiene and sanitation practices. The program highlights the importance of preventive health measures in schools, ensuring that learners remain healthy, active, and ready to achieve their full potential.
The kick-off activity serves not only as the beginning of the deworming campaign but also as a reminder that strong partnerships between schools, health authorities, and communities are essential in safeguarding the well-being of children. By addressing soil-transmitted helminth infections early, the program helps support improved nutrition, better school attendance, and enhanced learning outcomes for Filipino learners.
The office is grateful for the strong support of the Department of Education through Dr. Dante J. Marcelo, CESO VI, the Schools Division Superintendent, Mr. Marcial Y. Noguera, Chief Education Supervisor, SGOD, Mr. Roldan C. Ramos, School Principal, DepEd Batanes SDO's allied health team, Provincial Department of Health Office, and the Provincial Health Office.
