07/12/2025
When Passion Meets Purpose: Gawad Alab ng Kalusugan Ignites UGNAYAN 2025
This week, DepEd Region 02 witnessed something truly unforgettableâUGNAYAN 2025, a gathering of all DepEd School Health and Nutrition personnel. It was more than an eventâit was a celebration of hearts united in service, a living testament to the dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts of those who make every learnerâs well-being their priority.
The week began with the Program Implementation Review, a meaningful space where division representatives shared their journey of managing resources, maximizing Program Support Funds (PSF), and delivering impactful programs for learners. Stories of success, lessons from challenges, and commitment to transparency filled the room, reminding everyone that School Health is fueled by integrity and heart.
The Oplan Kalusugan sa DepEd Best Practices and Innovation Expo cm SBFP suppliers' Expo, transformed the venue into an airport-themed adventure. Each participant received a âpassportâ and a âboarding passâ, traveling from one booth to another. Each âdestinationâ showcased innovative ideas, creative solutions, and best practices from across the region. The interactive setup made learning fun, inspiring, and unforgettableâshowing that when hearts work together, innovation and compassion truly take flight. âïžâš
Laughter, connection, and teamwork filled the air during team-building activities. Colleagues discovered new ways to support and celebrate one another, reinforcing the truth that the heartbeat of School Health is not found in reports or programsâit is found in the people who serve quietly, passionately, and wholeheartedly every single day.
The week reached its pinnacle with the Gawad Alab ng Kalusugan 2025, a night of pride, joy, and gratitude. This special evening honored individuals and teams whose hearts burn with service. Laughter, applause, and tears filled the room as awardees were recognizedânot just for what they do, but for who they are: selfless, compassionate, and courageous champions of every learnerâs health and wellness.
Congratulations to the winners of Gawad Alab ng Kalusugan 2025:
Division Category Winners
GAWAD ALAB NG KALUSUGAN CHAMPIONâ SHNU Quirino |
1st Runner-up â SHNU Nueva Vizcaya |
2nd Runner-up â SHNU Santiago City
SBFP: Bowl of Hope â SHNU Cagayan
MDNS: Award of Excellence in School Health Services â SHNU Quirino
ARH: Excellence in Adolescent Health Advocacy â SHNU Isabela
SMHP: Excellence in Learner Mental Health Wellness â SHNU Isabela
WinS: Excellence in WinS Implementation â SHNU Nueva Vizcaya
NDEP: Shield of the Youth â SHNU Isabela
SBI: Excellence in Immunization Campaign Implementation â SHNU Santiago City
Deworming: Outstanding SHNU in Mass Deworming Implementation â SHNU Quirino
GPP: ISNM Excellence in Nutrition Integration â SHNU Quirino
Timely Trailblazer: SHNU Quirino
Individual Category Winners
SBFP â Nutrition Program Torchbearer: Catherine A. Madrid
MDNS â Flame of Health Award (Medical Officer): Maria Elizabeth T. Bernardez
MDNS â Flame of Health Award (Dentist): Aaron Paul D. Bernas
MDNS â Flame of Health Award (Nurse): Cheryl B. De Luna & Catherine A. Madrid
ARH â Outstanding ARH Program Advocate: Divine Grace D. Madriaga
SMHP â Outstanding Mental Health Program Leader: Ben Clarion R. Llantada
WinS â Outstanding WinS Coordinator: Helen Grace A. Laguc
NDEP â Beacon of Hope: Myrna P. Acio
SBI â Outstanding Immunization Program Coordinator: Sharon V. Mirandilla-Andaya
Deworming â Outstanding Deworming Focal: Catherine A. Madrid
GPP â ISNM Excellence in Nutrition Integration: Moira Anne D. Dulawan
The success of UGNAYAN 2025 would not have been possible without the guidance, support, and leadership of our regional office. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to RD Benjamin D. Paragas and ARD Florante Vergara, and the support of ESSD Chief Joselito L. Narag, for inspiring this historic gathering.
We are also deeply thankful to the DepEd regional evaluatorsâSir Denis Agbayani, Sir Joey M. Apolinario, Maâam Marivic Somejo, Engr. John Edward Camacho Alap, Dr. Karen Mae Padilla and Jermaine Farrah Cepedaâwhose time, insights, and guidance elevated the quality and impact of every program showcased.
Special thanks to the Schools Division Office of Cauayan City, led by SDS Cherry S. Ramos, ASDS Chelo C. Tangan, and SGOD Chief Marlon C. Bartolome, for their warm welcome and support.
At the forefront of creating its magic was Dr. Joseph Patrick Mendez and his talented team, whose hosting brought elegance, joy, and life to every moment.
Finally, to the SHNU Regional Office, led by Dr. Kae Kryzzl C. Paragas-Mamba, and the Technical Working Group (TWG)âMaâam Editha Ubina, Nurse Alessandra Marguerite Marcos Paulino, Almira Marie V. Cabulay, Rhianne Natividad and Dr. Jennifer Ferrer-Tuliaoâwho also served as evaluators, your passion, creativity, and tireless work illuminated every corner of UGNAYAN 2025. Special recognition to Maâam Luvina Bago and Maâam Sandra Tagayuna, who served as TWG for cash prizes, ensuring smooth and transparent handling of funds.
To all School Health and Nutrition personnel across Region 02âthank you and congratulations! You are the heart, the flame, and the strength of School Health. Every act of care, every extra mile, and every heartbeat of dedication leaves a mark that will forever remain in the lives of learners and in our hearts. â€ïž