DepEd launches alternative learning system program

Children undergoing long-term medical treatment at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) can now continue their basic education from their hospital beds following an agreement signed Monday between the facility and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Education Secretary Sonny Angara and PCMC executive director Dr. Cecilia O. Gan signed a memorandum of agreement on Monday establishing a hospital-based Alternative Learning System program tailored for pediatric patients with chronic illnesses.

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

The pilot program will initially involve three partner schools and four volunteer teachers. Lessons will be delivered to eligible students via modular learning, bedside teaching, small-group sessions, or online modules based on medical clearance from attending physicians.

The curriculum covers basic literacy alongside elementary, junior high, and senior high school accreditation tracks.

“ALS materials are already available,” Angara said. “The difference between ALS and the regular curriculum is that it is tailor-made to the learner’s style and schedule.”

Gan stated that initial rollout efforts will focus on outpatients undergoing regular treatments such as chemotherapy and dialysis, with plans to gradually accommodate long-term in-patients depending on teaching staff availability.

Angara cited that DepEd will evaluate the pilot implementation at PCMC before considering expanding the hospital-based learning framework to other public health centers nationwide.