DepEd, UNICEF push for micro-certification to equip ALS learners with real-world skills

The Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with UNICEF Philippines, on Thursday honored around 400 Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners who earned micro-certificates under the DepEd’s Micro-Certification Program.

The program is aimed at validating essential skills and competencies like communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving – helping out-of-school youth and adults gain credentials that will reflect their real-world abilities and strengthen their prospects for further education or employment.

In his message, Education Secretary Sonny Angara praised the awardees and reminded them that progress comes in many forms.

“Sa ating mga micro-certification completers, kayo po ang pruweba na hindi kailangang mabilis ang pagkuha ng life goals. It can come in steps, in modules, in micro-wins that eventually build a life of purpose and pride,” Angara said.

(To our micro-certification completers, you are proof that achieving life goals doesn’t have to be rushed. It can come in steps, in modules, in small victories that eventually build a life of purpose and pride.)

“Because in ALS, we don’t just measure success by how high you’ve climbed, but by how far you’ve come. And today, each of you has reached a summit worth celebrating,” he added.

The ALS Micro-Certification is anchored on Republic Act No. 11510 or the Alternative Learning System Act and aligned with the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF). It uses a 360-degree assessment that combines self-ratings, teacher evaluations, and community feedback to gauge learners’ life skills.

The initiative supports the DepEd’s goal of making education more inclusive by recognizing diverse forms of learning beyond formal schooling.

Through partnerships with UNICEF, DOLE, TESDA, and local governments, the Bureau of Alternative Education links alternative education with employability and community participation.

Between 2022 and 2025, the DepEd, UNICEF, the Australian Council for Educational Research, and the University of Melbourne validated the reliability of life skills assessment through micro-certification. 

Pilot runs in eight DepEd Schools Division Offices – Manila, Aurora, Batangas, Iriga, Lapu-Lapu, Misamis Oriental, Davao City, and South Cotabato – have produced 2,854 micro-certificates so far.

The DepEd is eyeing to expand the tools for certification, expand the initiative to more school divisions, and integrate findings into ALS improvement frameworks.

“Each badge or credential represents a story of progress, a small triumph that leads to greater opportunities for work and livelihood,” Angara added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News