Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) was granted a permit for the Homeschool Learning for School Year 2023-2024, through the confirmation of the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office VI. This made the institution the second school in Iloilo City and the province of Iloilo to be granted the said permit.

HSCI is one with DepEd that every child has the right to quality education and inclusive learning. For this reason, the school crafted a plan to apply for the Homeschooling Program through the leadership and guidance of Dr. Jose B. Barcelona, the school’s Academic Director.

All heads of the different academic and non-academic units, including the teachers from Preschool to Senior High School, collaborated to ensure that all necessary documents and facilities were well-prepared.

When interviewed about how she felt when the modality had been approved, Mrs. Janet J. Escubio, Principal of the Basic Education English Department said, “I was so elated upon knowing that the Regional Office approved our application for such a program. This means our school can cater to learners who cannot attend the regular face-to-face modality which serves as an indication that Hua Siong is for inclusive education.”

“An assigned Homeschool Coordinator will be in-charge of enrolling learners, monitoring their progress, and providing support to parents or guardians during

implementation. Hence, Homeschool learners will be provided with textbooks and modules in print or digital format,” Escubio added.

The Philippines’ Homeschool Learning modality was introduced and approved in 1997 by DepEd. This is one among the Alternative Delivery Modes under the Flexible Learning options of public and private elementary and secondary schools to combat negative learning conditions and to address children’s education access issues.