DepEd, PCMC sign memorandum on hospital-based learning program

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) signed an agreement on the first ever hospital-based learning continuity program in the country for children with long-term health conditions.

The memorandum, signed on Monday, Sept. 28, is expected to help eligible patients continue their education while receiving medical care through the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

READ: Former ALS learner returns as mobile teacher to inspire students

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Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported, pointed out that the commitment demonstrates the government’s strategy in making education more accessible to learners.

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“This is a big thing for us, this is the order of the president (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) that no child should be left behind — despite all the challenges and even when it is hard,” he said in Filipino.

As the PNA said in its report, the DepEd’s ALS program will cover the Basic Literacy Program and the Accreditation and Equivalency for Elementary and Junior High School, Regular Junior High School and Regular Senior High School.

Learning instructions will be based on each learner’s health condition and treatment schedule, with education delivered directly through modular learning, bedside instruction, small-group sessions and blended or online learning modalities.

“They no longer need to choose between proceeding with their education or treatment,” PCMC Executive Director Cecilia Gan said, as stated in the PNA report.

“If they are here in the hospital, they will be glad because teachers will go visit them wherever they are admitted.” /gsg