LEADING Philippine pharmaceutical and health care company Unilab Inc. (Unilab) is proud to announce the nationwide expansion of its Safe Schools, Safe Kids (3SK) program, an initiative that aims to create a healthier and safer learning environment for students across the Philippines by providing essential health care services, capacity building initiatives and health education to public school teachers.

Through multistakeholder partnerships, Unilab's 3SK program is now reaching communities in the Visayas and Mindanao.

These new partners include Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center, Department of Education (DepEd) and the Schools Division Office of Bohol, Tzu Chi Foundation, Zamboanga Liaison Office, Zamboanga City Medical Center, Ciudad Medical Zamboanga, Ateneo de Zamboanga-School of Medicine, the DepEd - Schools Division Office of Zamboanga.

"We are excited to bring the 3SK program to our region," said Mutya Kismet Macuno, medical center chief II of the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center.

Macuno continues, "This initiative will greatly benefit our teachers and students, providing them with access to the health care services and education they need."

Anton Lim of the Tzu Chi Foundation, Zamboanga Liaison Office, adds, "We are very happy that our teachers are getting the help that they deserve. When they are healthy, then, our students will learn more."

By empowering educators with the necessary knowledge and skills, the 3SK program addresses the health challenges faced by teachers, especially those with comorbidities; so, they can continue to work efficiently and, in turn, also look after the well-being of students.

This initiative is part of Unilab's Alagang Unilab advocacy, which is focused on implementing community-based programs and improving the lives of Filipinos.

"We believe that teachers play a crucial role in creating a conducive learning environment," said Claire Papa, head of External Affairs and Social Partnerships at Unilab Inc. "By equipping them with the necessary tools, we can ensure the safety and well-being of both teachers and students."

The 3SK program has already demonstrated its success in Quezon City, Mandaluyong City and Navotas City in Metro Manila, San Fernando, Pampanga through a collaboration with Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital as well as the city health offices of Floridablanca, Mabalacat, San Simon, Bacolor and Biñan in Laguna.