PhilHealth and DepEd Honor Student Champions in YAKAP Poster-Making Contest
In a vibrant celebration marking the 31st anniversary of PhilHealth, the state health insurer, alongside the Department of Education (DepEd), recently recognized the winners of the YAKAP Poster-Making Contest for Grade 8 students across Central Luzon. The awards ceremony was held at Lola Ima Pampanga Cuisine in San Fernando City, Pampanga, on February 23, 2026.
Celebrating Health Awareness and National Health Insurance Month
The event was part of the festivities with the theme "Ka-YAKAP ang Pilipino sa Kalusugang Sigurado," which translates to "Filipinos Embracing Assured Health." It coincided with the observance of February as National Health Insurance Month, emphasizing the importance of health coverage and education.
PhilHealth Acting Vice President Atty. Ma. Emily P. Roque and DepEd Regional Medical Officer Dr. Jose Ezra D. Rostrata presented the awards to the champions from both private and public schools. This initiative is a key component of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), aimed at fostering health literacy among young learners.
Announcing the Winners and Special Citations
The competition showcased exceptional talent, with the following students declared as champions:
- Grand Winner: Mebbie Gayle Paraiso from Bro. Andres Gonzalez Technical School in Apalit, Pampanga, under teacher Mary Ann M. Samson.
- 2nd Place Winner: Sophie V. Lapuz from Honorato C. Perez Sr. Memorial Science High School in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, guided by Jude Stevenson L. Padiernos.
- 3rd Place Winner: Zyra Kate Javier Maclang from Sto. Cristo Integrated School in Tarlac City, Tarlac, with teacher Vernaliza M. Pallasigui.
In addition to the top three, Special Citation Awards were bestowed upon several outstanding participants:
- Keisha M. Fuentes from Dipaculao National High School in Aurora, under Ricky Lumasac.
- Alliyah Kylee M. Lavarias from Pulong Buhangin National High School in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, with Erlinda H. Eugenio.
- Mordecai A. Reyes from San Miguel National High School in San Miguel, Bulacan, guided by Richard M. Ligon.
- Marvin Jr. M. Dizon from The Great Sheperdess Montessori in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, under Principal Hasmin T. Santiago.
- Mary Anthonet C. Gomez from Bataan National High School in Balanga, Bataan, with Jackielyn M. Mangawang.
- Jaecee Janelle N. Ponce from Angeles City Science High School in Angeles City, Pampanga, under Jonnabel L. Arnoza.
- Samuelle Max T. Daplian from Regional Science High School III in Olongapo City, guided by Jennelyn V. Lapuz.
- Jhenzel Faye Gonzales from Zambales National High School in Iba, Zambales, with Rogelio O. Ladiero.
Promoting Universal Health Care and Community Engagement
All Grade 8 champions hailed from schools within the 11 PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Offices (LHIOs) spanning Central Luzon. This contest is a pivotal part of the collaborative efforts between PhilHealth and DepEd to advance Universal Health Care (UHC). It supports the PhilHealth Learner's Material (PLM) for Grade 8 students and expands the reach of PhilHealth YAKAP and GAMOT programs in the region.
The primary goal is to enhance the knowledge of students, teachers, and communities regarding primary health care benefits. These include essential services such as check-ups, laboratory tests, medications, and cancer screenings. By raising awareness, the initiative aims to protect Filipinos from illnesses and promote a healthier society.
This event underscores the commitment of both organizations to health education and community well-being, fostering a culture of health consciousness among the youth.
