by: Nyssa De Guzman

 

     Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali discusses the benefits and improvements of Department of Education’s (DepEd’s) program, Alternative Learning System (ALS) to encourage those who cannot go through formal education but are willing to learn.

     In an interview at a TV Program Good Morning Pilipinas, Asec. Umali explains the concept of ALS as an opportunity to Out of School Youth and undergraduates of elementary and Junior High School.

     “ALS is yung alternatibo na nagbibigay kaalaman sa mga kababayan na walang kakayahan na pumasok sa pormal na pag-aaral,” Asec. Umali explained.

     “Dito, magkakaroon ng option ang mga kababayan na hindi makakapasok araw-araw,” he added.

     He also said that this program of DepEd Sec. Leonor Briones is more flexible and is designed to those who cannot attend school every day. Students who go through Alternative Learning System attends school one to two times a week.

     “Pagnakapasa sa ALS, hindi na po siya kinakailangang dumaan ng Grade 1, 2, 3, 4 para makakuha ng diploma sa elementary,” Asec. Umali emphasized.

     ALS is a module-based system. For 10 months, students are given assessment tests before and after their modules.

     After passing the post-assessment test on the modules, Assistant Secretary of DepEd said that ALS learners will take the Accreditation and Equivalency Test that he said is equivalent to graduating Elementary and Junior High School.

     “Sa Talumpati ng ating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte…ang malaking budget ng ALS ay mas pinataas,” Asec. Umali mentioned.

     He said that education in Alternative Learning System is free, those interested just have to go to the School Division Office, Public Schools, and in Local Government Units (LGUs).