House OKs bill institutionalizing alternative learning system

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading the measure seeking to institutionalize the alternative learning system (ALS) in the basic education for out-of-school children, youth, and adults.

With 224 affirmative votes and no negative votes, the chamber approved House Bill 6910, or the proposed "Alternative Learning System Act."

The measure aims to guarantee equal opportunity for learners to avail of systematic and alternative basic education programs even outside the traditional school system.

It also provides for accessible learning venues.

Under the measure, the ALS is envisioned to serve as a parallel learning system providing a viable alternative to the existing formal education instruction for out-of-school children, youth and adult learners, including Madrasah and Indigenous Peoples.

The ALS is expected to help learners develop basic and functional literacy, life skills, and pursue an equivalent pathway to complete basic education.

At least one ALS Community Learning Center (CLC) is to be established in every municipality and city around the country serving as learning environment for the full implement for the ALS K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum and other ALS programs.

The Department of Education is mandated to prescribe an appropriate minimum number of months needed for the completion of each ALS program.

The department is likewise tasked to regularly conduct ALS Accreditation and Equivalency assessments in order to measure and certify competencies of those who completed the program and others who wish to secure elementary and secondary level certifications.

The measure also directs the DepEd to establish partnerships with various government agencies including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Commission on Higher Education, as well as the private sector to effectively deliver quality ALS programs.

Following the approval on third reading, the measure will be sent to the Senate for its own deliberation and consideration. — BM, GMA News