Butuan strengthens Balik Eskwela health initiatives, champions canteen safety campaign
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In support of this year’s nationwide Balik Eskwela 2026 program implementation, the Butuan City Health Department (CHD) has intensified its school health initiatives through canteen monitoring and food safety advocacy activities across major public schools in the city, ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment.
As preparations for the opening of classes for School Year 2026–2027, the CHD conducted monitoring and health promotion activities in six megaschools under the Butuan City Division, namely: Agusan National High School, Butuan Central Elementary School, Butuan School of Arts and Trade, Libertad National High School, Obrero Central Elementary School, and Taligaman Elementary School.
These schools were prioritized due to their large student populations and high daily demand for canteen services.
Ma. Denne T. Tahil, RN, division head of the Healthcare and Population Development Division, led the monitoring activity to help ensure that school canteens are ready to provide safe, hygienic, and nutritious food to thousands of learners when classes resume.
Beyond the routine monitoring, the CHD team also conducted advocacy sessions for canteen operators, focusing on proper food handling, personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, safe water practices, and compliance with public health regulations.
The initiative is part of the city’s preventive health strategy to protect students from foodborne and waterborne diseases.
According to Tahil, educating food handlers remains a critical component of school health promotion. “These sessions help ensure that canteen operators and food handlers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain food safety standards.
This significantly reduces the risk of food contamination and disease transmission among learners, particularly young children who are more vulnerable to foodborne and waterborne illnesses.”
To further strengthen food safety compliance, CHD has scheduled a Food Handlers Class for canteen operators. The training aims to enhance their understanding of sanitation standards, safe food preparation, and responsible food service practices within school premises.
The initiative aligns with national efforts of the Department of Health and the Department of Education to promote healthy schools and safeguard the well-being of learners as face-to-face classes continue nationwide.
Meanwhile, CHD’s Health Education and Promotion Officers will continue implementing health advocacy activities throughout the school opening period, including the distribution of informational materials and installation of tarpaulins carrying Back-to-School Health Reminders in schools across the Butuan City Division.
As schools welcome students back to the classroom, CHD reiterated its commitment to ensuring that every learner has access to a safe, clean, and health-supportive environment, one that promotes both academic success and overall well-being. (MFC, PIA Caraga with a report from Butuan CHD)
