THE PhilHealth Regional Office VIII, in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), recently conducted the first PhilHealth Quiz Bee for Grade 10 students. Thirty-two (32) out of 41 secondary schools in the Division of Southern Leyte joined the quiz bee, which was one of the highlights of the 55th Anniversary Celebration of DepEd Southern Leyte.

Alyiah Marie Bulilan of San Juan National High School emerged as the champion for the first PhilHealth Learner’s Material (PLM) Quiz Bee. She topped the objective exams and nailed the oral examination with her explanation of the PhilHealth vision. PhilHealth Officers who were present were impressed with her flawless answer which showed her deep understanding of the PhilHealth vision.

Completing the top five (5) were Athena Marie Engaño of Pintuyan National High School as 1st Runner-up, Devenah Dawn Dagoltay of Limasawa National High School as 2nd Runner-up, Jacklyn Buzon of San Roque National High School as 3rd Runner-up, and Allena Grace Cagnaan of Pintuyan National Vocational School as 4thrunner-up. The winners as well as their MAPEH teachers who also served as their coaches, received cash prizes, certificates of recognition and corporate giveaways from PhilHealth.

The quiz bee was based on the PhilHealth Learner’s Material (PLM) which is being taught in the health component of the MAPEH subject for Grade 10 students. The PLM was certified as compliant with the K-12 program of the DepEd and its inclusion in the Grade 10 Curriculum is being pilot-tested in the Division of Southern Leyte. The program aims to ingrain in the young, the basic information about PhilHealth as well as the principles of the National Health Insurance Program.

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The quiz bee had three levels: Elimination Round, Semi-Final Round and the Final Round. The elimination round was a pen-and-paper test designed to select the top 13 scorers who advanced to the semi-final round. From the semi-final round, the top six finalists emerged and competed in the final round.

PhilHealth VIII Regional Vice President Renato L. Limsiaco, Jr. was impressed with the contestants’ knowledge of PhilHealth. In his message, Limsiaco encouraged the students to share the information to their parents and family members. On the other hand, Genis Murallos, the Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Southern Leyte, also emphasized the importance of being knowledgeable about PhilHealth as it will empower the students and their families in availing themselves of the benefits.

Limsiaco acknowledged the support of the DepEd management particularly Regional Director Ramir Uytico, and the entire team of the DepEd Southern Leyte Division headed by Superintendent Arturo Isip for the success of the quiz bee as well as that of the PLM implementation. “We would also like to commend the MAPEH teachers for their time and efforts in cascading accurate information about PhilHealth. Their labour will not be in vain as it will allow more families to have access to PhilHealth benefits,” he said. (END) (Miramar P. Zabala, PRO VIII)

(Reference: Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas, Head Executive Assistant and Concurrent OIC-Vice President for Corporate Affairs Group, Cel No. 0917-8089399)