Every year, Filipino students bring home a stack of school forms that parents are asked to sign. Among them, one stands out for its importance but is often misunderstood or rushed through — the Consent Form for Learners’ Health Assessment and Screening. But what if this isn’t just another form? What if it’s a key to safeguarding your child’s physical and mental well-being, not only in school but in life?
In this blog post, we reframe the conversation around this DepEd requirement, helping parents and guardians see how deeply it connects to student development, health equity, and the future of public education in the Philippines.
🛡️ What Is the Consent Form Really For?
The Department of Education (DepEd) mandates the Learners’ Health Assessment and Screening (LHAS) to ensure every student’s basic health needs are identified early. According to DepEd Order No. 39, s. 2022, this initiative supports the implementation of the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) and the Mental Health Act (RA 11036).
When you download the consent form for learners’ health assessment and screening, you’re not just giving permission for a medical check — you’re opening the door to:
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Nutritional assessments that can qualify your child for feeding programs.
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Early detection of vision or hearing issues.
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Mental health and psychosocial screenings that could lead to life-changing support.
These screenings, while non-diagnostic, act as crucial early-warning systems, helping school health professionals and guidance counselors intervene before problems escalate.
🔐 What About Privacy? Your Child’s Data Is Protected
One major concern of parents is data privacy — and rightly so. The consent form clearly outlines the DepEd’s commitment to the Data Privacy Act of 2012, ensuring that your child’s medical data is:
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Collected lawfully
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Processed securely
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Shared only with authorized parties, such as licensed health professionals or partner government agencies
According to the National Privacy Commission, schools must implement “reasonable and appropriate safeguards” for handling sensitive personal data — and DepEd’s protocols reflect that standard.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CONSENT FORM FOR LEARNERS’ HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND SCREENING
🧠 The Mental Health Angle: Early Help Is the Best Help
One of the most progressive aspects of this form is the section on Universal Mental Health and Psychosocial Screening. With rising awareness around mental health — especially post-pandemic — this part of the LHAS is timely and essential.
Psychosocial screening is not about labeling children with disorders. Instead, it focuses on identifying learners who may be "at-risk" emotionally or socially, and offering immediate support, counseling, or referral.
As highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO), early mental health intervention during school years can significantly reduce the risks of long-term emotional and behavioral issues.
📝 Why Giving Consent Matters
Participation is voluntary, and the form makes this clear. You can choose to opt in or out of each component. However, not consenting might result in your child missing out on important programs, such as nutrition support, mental health assistance, or dental checkups.
It’s not just about ticking boxes — it’s about making informed decisions. By signing this consent form, you’re not just complying with school protocol; you're taking an active role in your child’s health and development.
📌 Final Thought: It’s a Simple Form, But a Powerful Step
When you download the consent form for learners’ health assessment and screening, you are making a proactive investment in your child’s future. You are saying yes to inclusion, yes to protection, and yes to a school system that looks at students holistically — not just by their grades but by their health, happiness, and humanity.
So next time that form comes home, don’t just sign it — read it, understand it, and own the responsibility it represents.
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