Manolo Fortich launches special RQPS Health and Wellness for Teachers

Nearly 1,000 public and private school teachers received medical, dental, and wellness services through the Real Quality Public Service initiative of the Local Government of Manolo Fortich on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

TANKULAN, MANOLO FORTICH – For teachers, work does not end when the last bell rings, as assignments and exam papers await review, reports need to be filed, and lessons require preparation beforehand. In some cases, due to a full workload, their health often takes a back seat with work hours extending beyond 5pm on weekdays and sacrificing rest on weekends.

Recognizing this reality, the LGU-Manolo Fortich rolled out a special edition of its Real Quality Public Service (RQPS) program dedicated solely for teachers, held Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at the Municipal Gymnasium as a gesture of gratitude for their commitment to shaping the town’s youth.

The RQPS, led by Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño provided free health and wellness services to a total of 970 educators from both public and private schools in Manolo Fortich.

The one-stop wellness event offered a wide range of free services, including medical and dental checkups, simple tooth extraction, laboratory tests such as urinalysis, complete blood count, stool exam, and blood sugar testing, as well as free medicines.

Teachers also enjoyed free self-care services like manicure and pedicure, haircuts, massage therapy (hilot), vision screening, and cervical screening for women. A bloodletting activity was also organized in partnership with the Department of Health region 10. The activity exceeded its initial target of 20 bags, recording 28 bags of donated blood by the end of the day.

Several government offices also set up assistance desks including the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) to process Solo Parent IDs, and the Municipal Treasurer’s Office for the issuance of community tax certificates, saving teachers additional trips and time away from work.

A Chance to Rest and Recharge

Maria Frethel Sumintan, 49 years old, a Master Teacher I from Plantation Elementary School, said the program gave teachers a rare opportunity to relax.

Teaching, she said, demands physical stamina, emotional strength, and mental focus, which makes health support from the government essential.

“Importante gyud kaayo ang kahimsog sa panglawas sa teacher kay unsaon niya paghatag iyang full [attention] didto sa mga bata kung naay gibati? Dapat healthy all the time,” she said.

“Salamat kaayo kang Mayor Quiño kay daghan ang among na-avail. Unya gana kaayo siya kay libre baya. Hilabina kini nga mga services kay mahal na baya ni run,” she added, noting that she was able to save money by joining the activity.

More Than Medical Care

For Harvey Lugmay, 36 years old, Teacher I at Lindaban Elementary School with 13 years in service, the event was not just about checkups.

He shared that classroom realities can be challenging, with students’ diverse behaviors and attitudes requiring patience. The gathering also allowed him to reconnect with fellow teachers who he had seen for a long time.

“It’s a very nice experience kay sa karun man gud upat ka districts na mi, lisod na magkita-kita ang mga teachers in different district,” he said. “So, pinaagi ani nga kalihukan, maka-mingle ug socialize mi.”

Roldan Collantes, 34 years old, Teacher I of Guilang-guilang Integrated School echoed the sentiment, saying teachers often neglect their own well-being because of heavy workloads and administrative responsibilities.

He noted that the RQPS program is one of the effective platforms of Mayor Quiño on implementing one of his administration’s agenda.

“Usually, ang mga teacher dili na maka-focus sa ilang health kay daghan atimanon sa skwelahan. So, dako kaayo nga tabang sa mga teachers nga matagaan sila og pagtagad sa usa sa agenda ni mayor, ilabi na sa health,” he said.

Expanding the Reach of Public Service

RQPS head and Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO) Rikkie Mae Lucero in a radio interview said the initiative is part of the local government’s continuing effort to bring services directly to specific sectors that need them most.

“In the near future, sa mga sumusunod nga higayon sa RQPS, posible nga naa pud tay special RQPS pero lahi na pud nga target group ang atong tagaan og services,” Lucero explained. “Last year naghatag pud ta sa special RQPS nga atong gidalit sa atong mga gitawag of Rescued Friends.”

Health as a Community Priority

The Special RQPS Health and Wellness for Teachers was supported by local officials led by Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño, in line with his 8-Point Agenda that highlights community health as a key priority.

The first-ever special RQPS dedicated to educators underscored the LGU’s goal of making public service more inclusive and responsive to the needs of various community members. ###