SUSTAINING THE ESSENTIAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAM: DEPED MOUNTAIN PROVINCE EXPERIENCE
Annie Grail F. Ekid, Alice Arlene Fillag

Abstract

The research looked into the best practices in delivering the program which despite some major constraints were well- managed and hurdled by the stakeholders of education in the Mountain Province DepEd Division. Specifically, it explored the significant gains of the Essential Health Care Program (EHCP) in Mountain Province, the participation of the different stakeholders in the EHCP implementation, the challenges and issues in the implementation of the EHCP, and the suggested measures to sustain the program. It is a qualitative study that was based on content analysis, and interviews from the EHCP coordinators and other implementers and stakeholders. Methodological triangulation is also employed such as interviews with the implementers to substantiate the research findings.

The study found out that the gains derived from the program dwelt on the social values accrued from the stakeholders’ participation. It strengthened the advocacy on the Essential Health Care Program, led to the construction of hand washing and toothbrushing facilities, paved way for the provision of additional support facilities in the school, established the regularity of toothbrushing and hand washing activities in schools, fostered team-building among the school health personnel and other stakeholders, and provided a model for other schools in the EHCP implementation. The stakeholders’ participation from the local government units from the province to the barangay level, the Parents-Teachers’ Association, alumni groups, and the division of Mountain Province has led to the full implementation of the program. Issues and challenges were identified as shortage in school health personnel, limited financial resources for the purchase of EHCP package, the overlapping school activities and programs, and the changing priorities of the administration. Streamlining the functions of the school health personnel, merging related programs and tapping the alumni and other groups that can give funding commitment for the program will ensure the viability of the program.