Children with long-term health conditions can now sustain their education while undergoing hospital treatment under the Alternative Learning System (ALS), the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Monday.
The DepEd signed a memorandum of agreement with Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC).
In an interview, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the partnership demonstrates the government’s strategy in making quality education accessible to learners, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“Malaking bagay ito talaga, ito ‘yung utos ng Pangulo na walang batang maiiwan— kahit maraming pagsubok at kahit mahirap (This is a huge thing for us, this is the order of the President that no child should be left behind — despite all the challenges and even when it’s hard),” he said.
Under the agreement, the ALS Program will include the Basic Literacy Program (BLP), Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) for Elementary and Junior High School, Regular Junior High School and Regular Senior High School, subject to DepEd policies and guidelines.
Learning instructions will also be adjusted to each child’s health condition and treatment schedule.
Instead of requiring children to leave the hospital to attend classes, education will be delivered directly through modular learning, bedside instruction, small-group sessions and blended or online learning modalities.
For her part, PCMC Executive Director Cecilia Gan said this will help boost the morale of children while undergoing treatment.
“Hindi na sila pipili, mag-aaral o magpapagamot (they no longer need to choose, to continue studying or start their medication)… It’s just the tip of the iceberg,” she said.
“Kung nandito sila sa hospital, happy na sila, kasi pupunta na ‘yung mga teachers doon sa kanilang bed o kung saan sila naka-admit (If they are here in the hospital, they will be happy because teachers will go visit them in their beds or if they are admitted).”
Angara, meanwhile, said eligible patient learners will have their lessons with help from volunteer ALS teachers, with learning resources to be provided based on their needs. (PNA)
