DepEd, hospital launch learning program for children under medical care

Adi Joaquim Tolentino

Children with long-term health conditions can now continue their education while receiving medical treatment at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) through the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System (ALS).

DepEd and PCMC signed a memorandum of agreement on Sep. 28, establishing what PCMC Executive Director Dr. Cecilia Gan described as the country’s first hospital-based learning continuity program.

“Going to school may not always be possible for patients with chronic health conditions, but learning does not have to stop,” she said.

The program will allow eligible learners to continue studying while hospitalized, undergoing treatment, or unable to attend regular school because of prolonged medical care.

Under the agreement, the ALS program will cover the Basic Literacy Program, Accreditation and Equivalency for Elementary and Junior High School, Regular Junior High School, and Regular Senior High School.

Eligible learners include hospitalized school-age children, out-of-school children receiving medical care, chronically ill or hospital-bound patients, and long-term patients unable to attend formal schooling.

Learning activities will be adjusted based on each learner’s health condition and treatment schedule.

Lessons may be delivered through modular learning, bedside instruction, small-group sessions, and blended or online learning.

A medical clearance from the attending physician will be required before a patient can participate in the ALS program.