(UPDATE) MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday announced the death of a Grade 4 student from a public school in Manila following a deworming activity
In a statement, the DepEd Cavite Province and the Hugo Perez Elementary School-Annex said the deworming activity was held inside the school premises.
The agency further noted that they were “not standing by idly” and were reaching out to extend their sympathy to the relatives of the victim.
“We are likewise in constant coordination with the proper authorities concerned regarding the unfortunate incident,” the statement reads.
The DepEd said it was "profoundly heartbroken by the tragic passing" of the learner.
The school, in coordination with the city health office, held a routine deworming activity on July 2, the department said.
"Several learners felt unwell afterward, and by July 3, the Grade 4 learner who later passed away had been hospitalized after experiencing vomiting. Based on initial medical findings, the cause of death was linked to an infection that led to septic shock," the DepEd said.
It said it was closely working with investigating health authorities. It said that it "is also taking this opportunity to review our own health and safety protocols, to ensure" every learner's well-being.
"We are providing the necessary emotional, psychological, and logistical support to the family during this difficult time. We want to assure everyone that the safety and well-being of our learners remain our highest priority," the DepEd said.
"As a learner-centered public institution with the welfare of the children and the youth at its heart, we are committed not only to ensure the building of a truly educated population, but to safeguard the health, life and limb of every learner from all walks of society, as well," according to the statement.
"As such, should there be any ensuing legal processes and inquiries to be conducted by the duly constituted authorities in connection with the instant controversy, the DepEd Cavite Province officials, employees and personnel, shall not shirk from our responsibilities and sworn duties, and will wholly cooperate and be amenable whenever the need arises, living up to the time-honored principle of 'public office is a public trust.'"
