Happy Hollow National High School and Happy Hollow Elementary School showed the way to health literacy as they topped the national level of the Healthiest Schools Challenge of insurance company AIA Philippines.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed elation with the schools’ achievement.
“I am doubly proud that our students showcased not only health awareness but also sustainability, resilience and innovation which are the very same values that the city government is currently advocating as well as goals and visions that the city is now trying to achieve to stunt urban decay and adapt to climate change impacts,” he said.
The Dept. of Education Baguio City Schools Division under Supt. Soraya Faculo announced that out of 54 entries nationwide, Happy Hollow National High School copped the top spot in its category through its project entry “Project O.R.G.A.N.I.C” earning ?1,148,000 for the feat as well as the right to represent the Philippines in the Southeast Asian level of the competition in Vietnam.
Happy Hollow Elementary School for its part placed second in the elementary category with its entry “Organic Fertilizer: Banana Stalk and Sugar” winning ?868,000 cash prize.
The DepEd Baguio said both projects “highlight the dedication to sustainability, health, and innovation.”
This remarkable achievement is a testament to hard work and commitment (of the schools’ heads, teachers, coaches and students) to creating a healthier and more sustainable future. We are incredibly proud of your success and look forward to seeing these projects make an even greater impact!,” the DepEd Baguio said.
The AIA Healthiest Schools Competition
serves to showcase the learnings of the students from being grantees of the AIP Healthy Schools Program where the Happy Hollow schools served as pilot areas along with other schools in the country.
AIA said that in the contest, students were encouraged to develop and implement health projects based on the program’s four pillars of well-being namely healthy eating, physical activity, mental health, and sustainability and to showcase their initiatives with real-life application.
“This competition offers students a platform to bring their learning to life and make a meaningful impact in their communities,” the AIA said.
As a pilot area of the program launched in the country in August 2024, the Happy Hollow schools were given “access to free curriculum-linked resources built on the four pillars.”
“The program includes a robust Training of Trainers (TOT) component among select teachers to effectively integrate AIA Healthiest Schools’ modules and activities into their lesson plans. The curriculum-linked resources include engaging films, presentations, worksheets, and bite-sized activities, making learning about health fun and impactful,” the AIA said. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
