One-stop health, education program for kids

CEBU, Philippines - To make children ready for school, officials of Barangay Kasambagan have launched a one-stop health and education program for the upcoming pupils of the three day care centers in the barangay.

Beneficiaries of the “Kids Love School” were from Kasambagan Center for Life and Progress, Univille and Panagdait Day Care Center.

The event was spearheaded by the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children in coordination with the barangay officials led by Kasambagan barangay captain Jose S. Lim Jr. and councilman Allan M. Daag (Committee on Health) and councilwoman Lorna G. Embalzado (Committee on Education).

Daag said “Kids Love School is just one of the major projects of the barangay for children.

There were 122 enrolled pupils, aged 3-5, who availed of the free medical and dental services, kid’s spa and hygiene, storytelling sessions and the Nutrisyon Pambata and Barangay Nutrition Committee Soup Kitchen. They also received day care starter bags.

“Karon gud ang start sa mga klase sa mga bata pero we decided nga before sila mo-skwela, nakaandam na sila,” Daag told The FREEMAN.

He added this is the second year they are implementing the program but this year, they have more services for children.

“Last year kay nanghatag ra mi og school supplies pero karon daghan na mi gipang-provide para nila,” he added.

Barangay councilwoman Teresita Rodriguez, a doctor by profession headed the medical and dental services together with Dr. Lorna Embalzado of the City Health Department while Delia Serion of the Seamen’s Hospital discussed the Nutrisyon Pangbata on the proper nutrition for the children.

“Dili lang kay mga bata ra ang gitudluan sa proper nutrition lakip na ini ang partisipasyon sa mga ginikanan,” Daag said.

The spa and hygiene corner was organized by the Barangay Kasambagan Health Workers, while the storytelling session was handled by councilwoman Vivian Colin-Go.

The Barangay Nutris-yon Committee also prepared nutritious snacks for the kids.

Daag said they will continue to help provide the needs of the people in the barangay and to open opportunities for the out of school youth and jobless people.   - (THE FREEMAN)