What is Alternative Learning System?

Enacted on December 23, 2020, Republic Act No.11510 of 2020 also known as the Alternative Learning System Act, is a
parallel learning system that provides opportunities for out-of-school youth and adult (OSYA) learners to develop basic
and functional literacy skills, and to access equivalent pathways to complete basic education. 

The Department of Education implemented the Alternative Learning System to provide a feasible alternative quality
education to the Filipino people. This parallel learning system aims to provide a practical solution to our fellow men who
do not have access to formal education, hence, this non-formal substitute was implemented. 

Although the whole world has witnessed the abundance and beauty of the Philippines, there are still some parts of the
country that are seeking everybody’s attention and assistance.  

Communities residing in remote areas that do not have access to schools need this program the most. The goal of the ALS
Program is to provide increased opportunities for adult learners, out-of-school children, and indigenous people to learn
useful skills such as carpentry and welding or acquire basic literacy skills to aim and pursue a sustainable future for our
countrymen through achieving basic quality education. 

The act defined two types of learners which is its target, those that are considered “Out-of-school children in special
cases” children in the official school age who are not enrolled in elementary or secondary school due to special cases such
as economic, geographic, political, cultural, or social barriers, including learners with disabilities or conditions, indigenous
peoples, children in conflict with the law, learners in emergency situations, and other marginalized sectors and “Adults”
Filipinos age 18 years old and above who were not able to begin or continue basic elementary or secondary) education in
formal school.

Admission and Programs under ALS

Those who are interested in learning under the system should complete and submit the following requirements to ALS
teachers in your area or to the Schools Division/District Office:

 Photocopy of birth certificate (PSA) / baptismal certificate

 2×2 ID picture (white background)
 Form 137 (only for learners from the formal education system)

The DepEd and the Bureau of Alternative Education (BAE) implements two programs, The Basic Literacy Program and
the Accreditation and Equivalency Program (A&E Program):

The Basic Literacy Program focuses on eradicating illiteracy in the Philippines through teaching reading, writing,
numeracy, and basic comprehension to out-of-school children in special cases, adults, and indigenous people. 

On the other hand, the Accreditation and Equivalency Program (A&E Program) aims to help out-of-school children in
special cases and adults, particularly school dropouts, to complete their elementary and secondary education through
completing the ALS Program. 

Other than these major ALS Program, the government is also providing other classes such as the Indigenous Peoples
Education Program, the Academic-Focused Bridging Program, and the Functional Education and Literacy
Program.
These are the different relevant and responsive learning modalities that the DepEd employ to effectively deliver the
different Non-formal Education (NFE) programs:

 Online, digital or mobile learning

 Face-to-face learning sessions and tutorials
 Blended learning or a combination of various modalities
 Workshops, simulations, and internship to inculcate life skills, work readiness, and entrepreneurship
 Provision of inclusive and safe learning environments

Three level of certifications can be received upon completion of the programs, Those who pass elementary level A&E are
qualified to enroll in junior high school

Those who pass the junior high school A&E are qualified for senior high school or may enroll in selected technical
vocational education and training programs, as appropriate, through the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA).

Those who pass the senior high school level A&E are qualified for higher education, as appropriate, provided that they
comply with the other basic requirements set by the schools or higher education institutions (HEIs) as requirements for
enrollment. They may also enroll in technical vocational education and training programs, as appropriate, through the
TESDA.

Objectives of ALS
The ALS program aims to obtain not only the benefit and the needs of the learner, but also the educator. The following are
the visions that this program aspires to achieve:

1. A special program for learners with disabilities and providing learning techniques and instruction materials
that suit the learning pace.
2. Provide quality attention and basic education to out-of-school children in special cases, adult learners, and
indigenous people.
3. Easy access to educational programs for learners residing in remote areas and in conflict-affected
communities.
4. Hire and deploy ALS Teachers and Facilitators to provide ALS programs especially in far-flung areas,
conflict-affected communities, and communities experiencing emergency situations.
5. To improve the level of literacy among Filipinos.
6. To promote caring self-reliant, independent, and productive citizens by encouraging to pursue and
accomplish
7. To provide flexible learning programs and learning contents and as well as to integrate formal and non-
formal and informal educational strategies and approaches to the ALS learners. 

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, maintain and support a complete, 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.

HOW DOES ALS WORK?

There are two major programs on ALS that are being implemented by the Department
of Education, through the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS). One is the
Basic Literacy Program and the other is the Continuing Education Program –
Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E).  Both programs are modular and flexible. This
means that learning can take place anytime and any place, depending on the
convenience and availability of the learners.
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.