ALTERNATIVE
LEARNING
SYSTEM
(ALS)
What is Alternative Learning System or ALS?
It is a parallel learning system in the
Philippines that provides a practical option
to the existing formal instruction. When one
does not have or cannot access formal
education in schools, ALS is an alternate or
substitute. ALS includes both the non-
formal and informal sources of knowledge
and skills.
Why is there a need for Alternative Learning
System in the Philippines?
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.
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.
What is the basis of ALS implementation in the Philippines?
The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides for the recognition and
promotion of other forms of education other than formal education. Article
XIV, Section 2, Paragraph
(1) declares that the State shall establish
(2) maintain and support a complete,
(3) adequate and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the
people and society;
and paragraph (4) concisely encourages non-formal, informal and indigenous
learning systems as well as self-learning, independent and out-of-school
study programs particularly those that respond to community needs.
The Governance Act for Basic Education otherwise known as the Republic
Act 9155 stipulates the establishment of the Alternative Learning System
(ALS) to provide out-of-school children, youth and adults population with
basic education.
What is the difference between the Formal Education System and the
Alternative Learning System (ALS) Non-formal Education?
Formal Education system is classroom-based, managed by
trained formal school teachers.
ALS Non-formal Education happens outside the classroom,
community-based, usually conducted at community learning centers,
barangay multi-purpose hall, libraries or at home, managed by ALS
learning facilitators, such as mobile teachers, district ALS
Coordinators, instructional managers at an agreed schedule and
venue between the learners and facilitators.
Education in the Philippines is managed and regulated by the
Department of Education, commonly referred to as the DepEd in the
country. The Department of Education controls the Philippine
education system, including the curriculum used in schools and the
allocation of funds. It also regulates the construction of schools and
other educational facilities and the recruitment of teachers and staff.
Before Philippine Independence in 1946, the country's education system was patterned
on the system of its colonial powers, Spain and the United States. However, after Philippine
independence, its educational system changed radically.
From 1945 until 2011, the basic education system was composed of six years of
elementary education starting at the age of 6, and four years of high school education
starting at the age of 12. Further education was provided by technical or vocational schools,
or in higher education institutions such as universities. Although the 1987 Constitution
stated that elementary education was compulsory, this was never enforced. [citation needed]
In 2011, the country started to transition from its old 10-year basic educational system to a
K–12 educational system, as mandated by the Department of Education. [3] The new 12-year
system is now compulsory, along with the adoption of new curriculum for all schools (see
2010s and the K–12 program). The transition period will end with the 2017–2018 school
year, which is the graduation date for the first group of students who entered the new
educational system.
All public schools in the Philippines must start classes on the date mandated by the
Department of Education (usually the first Monday for public, second Monday for private
and third Monday for some colleges for the month of June) since Estrada administration in
1999, and must end after each school completes the mandated 200-day school calendar
organized by the Department of Education (usually around the third week of March to the
second week of April). Private schools are not obliged to abide by a specific date, but must
open classes no later than the last week of August.
Problems in the implementation of ALS in
the Philippines
1. Funds
2. Curriculum
3. Teacher’s Attitudes
4. Peace and orders situation ( Ideology)
5. Lack of coordination between ALS and the
community
Problems Encountered in the Implementation of ALS
in the Country
1. many lack knowledge about the Program
2. Uncontrolled multiple entry and exits of clientele
3. fund is not enough for the reproduction of the needed
materials
4. ALS clientele most often does not attend learning
sessions because of their needs
5. little supports from local officials
6. mobile teachers sacrifice their money since travelling
allowance is not enough
Some suggestions needed to resolve these
problems
1. conduct information drive about ALS
2. Learners must join the learning session
3. local officials must listen and do something to the
problems encountered by ALS
4. Additional permanent mobile teachers are highly
needed
5. increase the funding of ALS
6. collaborative cooperation of everybody to support the
program.
