DepEd and PCMC launch program to keep hospitalized children in school
A new memorandum lets children receiving long-term treatment at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center continue their studies through DepEd’s Alternative Learning System.
The Department of Education and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center have formalized a partnership that enables children with chronic or long-term illnesses to keep up with schoolwork while receiving medical care. Under the memorandum of agreement, the Alternative Learning System will provide basic literacy, accreditation and equivalency for elementary and junior high, as well as regular junior and senior high tracks.
Participation requires medical clearance from the attending physician. Eligible learners include hospitalized school-age children, out-of-school youths under treatment, and long-term patients unable to attend regular school. Instruction will be adapted to each child’s health status, using modular lessons, bedside teaching, small-group sessions, or blended and online methods.
Pinyahan Elementary School, Flora A. Ylagan High School and San Francisco High School will handle documentation and work with the DepEd Quezon City Schools Division Office. Dr. Cecilia Gan highlighted that this is the first hospital-based learning continuity initiative in the Philippines.
Why it matters
It ensures that seriously ill children in the Philippines can continue their education despite prolonged hospital stays.
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