ALS provides access to basic education

By CHERRY MARIE IRISH D. CRUZ

ALABEL, Sarangani (July 10, 2015) – The Alternative Learning System (ALS) has been providing out-of-school children, youth and adult population with basic education: 221 passers in Sarangani recently received their diplomas.

The passers also received their certification of ratings on June 30 at the Capitol gym. The theme of the first province-wide ALS graduation rites was “Saktong Buhay: Sa De-Kalidad na Edukasyon Pinanday.”

Out of 601 examination takers, 200 from high school and 21 from the elementary level passed the examination conducted on February 1, 2014.

John Mark Ganuan, a 21 year-old Tboli from Maitum who recently earned his degree on Elementary Education, shared his experiences to the graduates as he was chosen as the keynote speaker.

“Malaki ang naitulong ng ALS sa akin. Ang makapasa rito ay isang makabuluhang hakbang para maabot ko ang aking pinapangarap.” he said.

The graduation rites in the previous years were conducted by municipalities.

“This marks big significant gains for ALS. The provincial government of Sarangani headed by Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon has extended full support relative to the conduct of this activity,” said Education Program Supervisor Norma Obogon who is in-charge of ALS Sarangani.

“I am thankful to all levels of the local government unit of Sarangani and to all the teachers and implementors for extending help in the success of this affair,” she added.

Meanwhile, Governor Solon, in his speech, never hid his delight to the passers.

“Proud na proud po ang provincial government of Sarangani sa inyo. We are all special in our own special ways. Saludo ako sa inyo,” he said.

Gov. Solon encouraged the graduates to do well in the examination to avail the 100 scholarship grants of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. He promised to get more scholarships for the passers in collaboration with non-government organizations and other private organizations.

ALS is a parallel learning system implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) that offers a practical option to the current formal instruction.

“Many Filipinos do not have a chance to attend and finish formal basic education (Grades 1-6 and Year 1-4) due to many reasons. Some drop out from schools while some do not have schools in their communities,” according to DepEd. “Since every Filipino has a right to free basic education, the Government establishes ALS to provide all Filipinos the chance to have access to and complete basic education in a mode that fits their distinct situations and needs.”  (Cherry Marie Irish D. Cruz/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)