Angara pushes for expanded alternative learning system

Education Secretary Sonny Angara is pushing for the wider implementation of the Department of Education's Alternative Learning System, the DepEd program that provides non-formal education for out-of-school youth and adults who cannot access regular schooling.

He also expressed support for the completion of Special Education (SPED) facilities and strengthening disaster-resilient learning.

“So I think maganda i-expand talaga yung ALS. In the past kulang lang talaga sa resources. So I think ngayon nabibigyan siya pati ang learners of all ages,” Angara told the reporters on Tuesday.

“Especially now, I think pag tinignan mo worldwide, yung trend talaga is lifelong learning. So importante yung upskilling. 'Yan ang gustong bigyan ng emphasis ni BBBM. So ito nakakatulong yung ALS sa ganoon,” he said.

(So I think it’s splendid to expand ALS. In the past, we lacked resources. Now, learners of all ages are being supported. The trend worldwide is lifelong learning. Upskilling is important. That is what President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to stress. ALS will help along that line.)

ALS offers flexible learning through community-based sessions, modules, and digital platforms.

It has two main programs:

• Basic Literacy Program (BLP): teaches reading, writing, and numeracy.
• Accreditation & Equivalency (A&E): allows learners to earn elementary or high school certificates equivalent to those from formal schools.

“There are hundreds of thousands already in ALS. Siyempre, they learn at their own speed. Hindi sila required na araw-araw pumasok. Kasi yung iba nagtatrabaho, yung iba may ginagawa sa bahay. So may contract with the institution or the teacher, yung learner," Angara said.

(There are already hundreds of thousands in ALS. Of course, they learn at their own pace. They are not required to attend daily because some are working or have other responsibilities at home. There’s a contract with the institution or teacher, based on what the learner can handle.) –NB, GMA Integrated News