DepEd to boost alternative learning system in 2009 – report

MANILA, Philippines – With the global economic crisis expected to hit the country harder in 2009, the Education Department (DepEd) is aiming to boost its alternative learning system to increase the access of the poor and out-of-school youths to education. Radio dzBB’s Allan Gatus reported that under the system, high school drop-outs who pass the department’s accreditation and equivalency tests will be sent to alternative learning institutions where they will be given high school diplomas. The report likewise quoted Education Sec. Jesli Lapus as saying that the DepEd will also push for bigger funding for its mobile teachers program to send educators to parts of the country where illiteracy rates are high. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV