07/10/2026
READ | DILG backs YAKAP expansion in schools, bringing healthcare closer to children
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is backing the expansion of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) to schools and other child-serving settings to bring primary healthcare and related services closer to children.
The expansion is covered by a new Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) signed by the DILG, Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), institutionalizing the YAKAP School Health and Protection Program (YAKAP-SHP).
The JMC establishes a whole-of-government framework for providing primary healthcare, screening, developmental care, referrals, and disability-inclusive services through schools and other child-serving settings.
The policy covers public and private schools, Community Learning Centers (CLCs), Child Development Centers (CDCs), other Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centers and facilities, and Inclusive Learning Resource Centers (ILRCs).
Beneficiaries include learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel and their qualified dependents, out-of-school children and youth in special cases, children in CDCs and ECCD facilities, and learners with developmental delays and disabilities.
The ceremonial signing was led by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, DOH Secretary Edwin Mercado, and PhilHealth Acting President and CEO Beverly Ho.
“These are positive steps. These are good, small steps which lead to great victories for our children,” Remulla said during the ceremonial signing Tuesday in Makati City.
Under the JMC, the DILG will encourage the participation and engagement of local government units (LGUs) in implementing YAKAP-SHP, provide guidance on their roles, and support the monitoring and assessment of LGU implementation.
The DILG will also promote the integration of the program with local health, child protection, social protection, and other development mechanisms.
At the community level, LGUs are encouraged to support YAKAP-SHP through existing local health, child welfare, education, rehabilitation, and other relevant systems. They are also urged to ensure access to appropriate local health and support services for beneficiaries referred through the program and coordinate with YAKAP clinics, schools, child-serving settings, DOH facilities, and other healthcare providers.
LGUs may also designate or mobilize appropriate local personnel and resources and facilitate the participation of CDCs.
PhilHealth’s YAKAP serves as the country’s primary care platform and a point of access to the health system.
