What Readers Should Know
DOH, PhilHealth, DepEd, and DILG have established YAKAP-SHP to bring preventive healthcare closer to learners through schools and learning centers. The program outlines screenings, outpatient services, developmental care, and support for referrals and follow-up.
Key Takeaways
- Four government agencies signed the YAKAP-SHP agreement on October 6, 2026.
- The program plans to reach learners through schools and other learning facilities.
- Early detection and management of developmental delays and disabilities are priorities.
- Planned services include screenings, medicines, diagnostic tests, specialist care, and referral assistance.
- Parents and guardians can join upcoming school orientations and use the PhilHealth Member Portal for clinic assignment.
DOH, PhilHealth, DepEd, and DILG establish a partnership for school-based preventive care, developmental screenings, and referral support.
The Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have signed an agreement to bring preventive healthcare closer to Filipino learners through the YAKAP School Health and Protection Program (YAKAP-SHP).
Signed on October 6, 2026, the Joint Memorandum Circular establishes a framework for delivering health services through schools and learning centers, with particular attention to early detection and management of developmental delays and disabilities.
The signing was led by Health Secretary Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Dr. Beverly Lorraine C. Ho, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, and DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla.
Bringing preventive care into learning communities
YAKAP-SHP connects education, healthcare, health insurance, and local government services. Its objectives include expanding access to YAKAP, connecting patients with continuing care, and strengthening financing, parental or guardian consent processes, and coordination among service providers.
The initiative aligns with Pillar I of the Unified National Agenda for Health, or UNA Para sa Kalusugan, and the DOH’s Healthy Learning Institutions Program, which integrates health promotion into school policies, services, facilities, and systems.
According to the supplied announcement, Ho said the initiative aims to reach all 26 million learners, alongside teachers, non-teaching personnel, and their families. The figure represents the program’s intended reach rather than a completed enrollment count.
Who the program will serve
The planned rollout covers public and private basic education schools, Community Learning Centers, Child Development Centers, other Early Childhood Care and Development facilities, and Inclusive Learning Resource Centers.
Beneficiaries include early childhood and basic education learners, school personnel, and Alternative Learning System enrollees, including out-of-school children and youth.
Children with special needs, developmental delays, or disabilities identified through school or learning-resource-center screenings are also included.
Services outlined in the announcement
YAKAP-SHP is designed to connect learners and school communities with:
- On-site assignment to a YAKAP clinic.
- Routine health screenings.
- Outpatient medicines and diagnostic tests covered by the program.
- On-site specialist care for developmental delays.
- Care navigators who help families arrange referrals and follow-up care.
For families, the program’s practical focus is the connection between screening and continued care. Identifying a concern is one step; helping parents understand referrals and follow-up services is another.
How families can participate
Parents and guardians are invited to participate in upcoming school-based orientation and clinic-assignment sessions. These sessions will explain participation and help families connect with a YAKAP provider.
Families may also assign or update their chosen YAKAP clinic through the PhilHealth Member Portal.
For information about benefits and accredited partner clinics, visit PhilHealth’s website or contact the PhilHealth Action Center at (02) 8662-2588, as listed in the announcement.
The program’s goal is to make preventive care easier to reach and help children receive continued support when screenings identify a health or developmental concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is YAKAP-SHP?
The YAKAP School Health and Protection Program is a partnership among DOH, PhilHealth, DepEd, and DILG to bring preventive care and coordinated health services closer to learning communities.
Who will benefit?
The announcement includes early childhood and basic education learners, ALS enrollees, school personnel, and children with developmental delays or disabilities.
Which learning facilities are covered by the planned rollout?
Public and private basic education schools, Community Learning Centers, Child Development Centers, other ECCD facilities, and Inclusive Learning Resource Centers are included.
What services are outlined?
The program outlines clinic assignment, routine screenings, outpatient medicines and diagnostic tests, developmental specialist care, and assistance with referrals and follow-up.
How can families participate?
Parents and guardians can join upcoming school-based orientation and clinic-assignment sessions. Families can also select or update their YAKAP clinic through the PhilHealth Member Portal.
Gabriel
Introvert, wanderer, blogger, foodie, a hip-hop music writer, and one of the co-founders of a tech start-up company called GigsManila.
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