PRESS RELEASE

DepEd promotes fitness among employees

The Department of Education vows to continue to look after the health and welfare of its employees through the wellness program of the departments Physical Fitness, Wellness, and Recreation Office (PFWRO) dubbed as I-AMFIT. Being the largest bureaucracy in Philippine government, we believe that one of the greatest strengths we have to deliver our task is our manpower. That is why it is just right and appropriate for us to keep an eye on our employee s general well-being, said Education Secretary Armin Luistro. PFWRO created its wellness program, I-AM-FIT, after recognizing that a number of employees have heart problems and other chronic diseases. I-AM-FIT means I for information dissemination and education; A for appreciation of sports, environment, and arts; M for manpower and staff development; F for fitness program; I for infrastructure and equipment acquisition; and T for tournament participation. According to Cesar Abalon, head of PFWRO, W ellness is very encompassing. This is the rationale of I-AM-FIT because we want to change the mindset of the employees to develop a deeper sense of responsibility to take good care of their health. Hypertension, diabetes, other heart problems are the common health issues among our employees but these are preventable if we only gear towards living a healthy life. Abalon pointed out that 30 minutes of regularly jogging at least three times a week will make a difference. It will help a lot as it will affect the total wellness of ones body. The greatest challenge for PFWRO is to convince the employees to reconsider their priorities, to make them appreciate more the rationale of having a healthy lifestyle. We should make them lessen if not totally quit bad vices such as alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking. Luistro noted that, stress is inevitable in the department given the bulk of challenges the education system has so we should find ways to divert energy and consequently feel better after. Abalon expressed his appreciation to Br. Armin, together with the entire executive team, who jogs regularly at the ULTRA track oval. The involvement of the senior officials in that kind of physical activity is something that other employees should see. If they can take time to jog or do something physical for their health, then other employees should also do the same. We should capitalize on this - even the bureau directors, heads of other offices within the central office, and other officials in the field offices should invest their time to some healthy physical activity. PFWRO aims to encourage more employees to engage in healthy lifestyle through their information dissemination campaign by communicating what right nutrition and healthy lifestyle are.
OSEC COMMUNICATIONS DEPED COMPLEX, MERALCO AVENUE, PASIG CITY 1600 T (02) 6316033 F (02) 6364876 WEBSITE www.deped.gov.ph EMAIL depedcommunications@gmail.com

The program also aims to help employees appreciate arts, learn to value the environment and support the campaign to eliminate climate change. They want the employees to showcase artistic talents such as drawing, singing, and dancing. Also, through I-AM-FIT, the department can form a pool of technical officials and in-house manpower that can be tapped during sports meets and other sportsrelated activities in schools. This can give employees added income if they are qualified. I-AM-FIT also involves physical fitness activities which are more on recreational rather than competitive activities. These include regular games on darts and table tennis and regular sessions on aerobic dance and ballroom. Employees can also jog regularly inside the track oval of ULTRA. To encourage wider participation from the employees, PFWRO aims to have an appropriate sports venue, equipment, and facilities such as gym and a fitness room Lastly, during tournaments such as Secretarys Cup and Inter -agency sports competitions, skilled employees can compete among themselves. Abalon is also thankful to the DepEd Employees Union for the support being extended to the program. END

OSEC COMMUNICATIONS DEPED COMPLEX, MERALCO AVENUE, PASIG CITY 1600 T (02) 6316033 F (02) 6364876 WEBSITE www.deped.gov.ph EMAIL depedcommunications@gmail.com