Second-Chance Education Should Not Be Second-Class - The Philippines' Alternative Learning System

Published on East Asia & Pacific on the Rise (/eastasiapacific)
Second-chance education should

not be second-class: the
Philippines’ Alternative Learning
System
TAKIKO IGARASHI (/TEAM/TAKIKO-IGARASHI), PABLO ACOSTA (/TEAM/PABLO-ACOSTA) &
NICHOLAS TENAZAS (/TEAM/NICHOLAS-TENAZAS) | JUNE 11, 2020
This page in: English (/eastasiapacific/second-chance-education-should-not-be-second-class-
philippines-alternative-learning)
The Philippines has one of the world’s largest second-chance education programs. Known as the Alternative
Learning System or ALS, it has had 5.5 million young and adult learners 15 years old and older in the last 10 years.
Even before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there

were 258 million school-age children and adolescents
(http://uis.unesco.org/en/topic/out-school-children-and-
youth) not attending school across the world, and 781
million adults (https://en.unesco.org/gem-
report/report/2015/education-all-2000-2015-
x
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optimize functionality and give you thewere
best possible experience.
unable to read or If you continue to navigate
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write(https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/legal/privacy-notice)
in any language. These numbers may rise
significantly as the impact of extended school closures
around the world is felt. Countries’ second-chance
education
(https://unevoc.unesco.org/home/TVETipedia+Glossary/filt=all/id=677)
systems were already under pressure – and often seen as
second-class. Now the pandemic is creating a large new
demand for them, increasing the urgency for reforms.
The Philippines has one of the world’s largest second-

chance education programs. Known as the Alternative
Learning System or ALS, it has had 5.5 million young and
adult learners 15 years old and older in the last 10 years.
The World Bank has been advising the Department of
Education (https://www.deped.gov.ph/) on how to
improve its performance and move to a new level. ALS is a
viable second-chance program that benefits its learners
(http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/539131530792186404/A-
second-chance-to-develop-the-human-capital-of-out-of-
school-youth-and-adults-the-Philippines-alternative-
learning-system) but also one that needs to continuously
improve to help learners achieve their maximum
potential. The Philippines’ experience with ALS can be
relevant to countries around the world facing the same
crisis.
The Alternative Learning System (ALS)
Completing basic education is a gateway for all to further

education and vocational training as well as to formal
employment. Without basic education, people are
vulnerable to extreme poverty. ALS is an education system
supporting people who, for various reasons, have not
received a minimum-desired level of formal education. A
core component of it is the Accreditation and Equivalency x
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this website beyond (A&E) Program,
this page, which
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be placed learners
on your browser.toToearn
learnofficial
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certificates equivalent to regular school diplomas through
(https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/legal/privacy-notice)
 a national exam.
(mailto:?

In the last three years, the Department of Education
body=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.worldbank.org%2Feastasiapacific%2Fsecond-

chance- reported (https://www.deped.gov.ph/ae-test/) that, on
education-
 average, 130,000 learners passed this exam annually, a
should- big jump from 58,000 passing per year between 2005 and

not-
46
2015. Our previous study
be- (http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/757331468297305021/Alterna
second- and-inclusive-learning-in-the-Philippines) found that those
class- who passed earned approximately PHP 7,400 (US$148) –
philippines- or roughly 50% more monthly, compared with the
alternative- average among high school dropouts. They were twice as
likely to have full-time formal employment compared to
learning%3Fcid%3DSHR_BlogSiteEmail_EN_EXT&subject=Second-
those who did not pass the A&E, and 60% of ALS learners
chance%20education%20should%20not%20be%20second-
who passed the A&E secondary-level exam enrolled later
class%3A%20the%20Philippines%E2%80%99%20Alternative%20Learning%20System)
in further education and training.
How does ALS achieve these results? Flexibility is a critical

feature. Adult learners have high opportunity costs for
learning, especially if they have to give up work to study.
Learners have diverse academic backgrounds, skills, and
motivations for learning. ALS is designed as a blended
learning program, a combination of self-paced, modular-
based learning with instruction by mobile teachers that is
tailored to developing countries like the Philippines.
ALS also plays a big role in geographic areas where

education faces significant risks due to conflicts, natural
calamities, or remoteness. Our most recent study
(http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/374511572968288550/Unlocki
the-Potential-of-the-Bangsamoro-People-through-the-
Alternative-Learning-System-Overview)found similar
benefits of the ALS program in the Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, one of the x
this website beyond Philippines’ least
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formed recently after several decades of armed conflict
and civil unrest. ALS is providing basic education to many
people in the region, who did had opportunities to learn
for a long time, while waiting for the fruits of a new and
better school education system.
Challenges in the ALS
Despite its successes, there is significant room for

improvement to help learners achieve their potential.
One key challenge is the shortage of fundamental inputs.

There were not enough ALS learning materials in the field
to enable effective modular-based learning both at home
and in face-to-face sessions. Operational funds provided
to mobile teachers were not enough to cover the full costs
for teaching aids, additional learning materials, and
transportation to visit learners. On average, these funds
only covered 60% of the costs, and teachers often had to
meet the gap by paying out of their own pockets.
Typical learning environments for ALS, such as open-air

space under a tree or simple structures made by light
materials such as palm tree leaves and bamboos, do not
adequately keep adult learners focused on learning. And
the teaching force for ALS has come up short both in
quantity and quality. As the backbone of the program,
teachers need better, continuous professional
development.
Most importantly, ALS’ system components, designed a

few decades ago, need a comprehensive upgrade. The
use of ICT technology could be expanded and made more
systematic, to support learning delivery and learning
management, as well as assessment and certification in x
this website beyond ALS.
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Opportunities - ALS Version 2.0
The Department of Education has recognized these

challenges. In 2019, with assistance from the World Bank,
it developed a new strategic roadmap for the reform
program. Known as “ALS 2.0
(https://www.deped.gov.ph/als-programs/),” it’s an
opportunity to fix long-standing issues, as well as a chance
to ensure that these reforms receive adequate resources
and support. Other key partners, such as SEAMEO-
INNOTECH (https://www.seameo-innotech.org/), USAID
(https://www.usaid.gov/philippines), ADB
(https://www.adb.org/countries/philippines/main), DFAT
(https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/philippines/Pages/philippines),
and UNICEF (https://www.unicef.org/philippines/), have
come together to provide support.
And this agenda is more important than ever, as COVID-19

disrupts the Philippines’ basic education system. The first
priority must be to provide continuing learning
opportunities for students and prevent them from
dropping out of school. However, a stronger ALS can give
those who leave the formal school system an extremely
important second chance. We hope the lessons learned
from our studies will improve the ALS for the Philippines
and also help other developing countries that face similar
challenges.
EDUCATION (/SEARCH?F[0]=TOPIC:287&F[1]=LANGUAGE:EN), PHILIPPINES

(/SEARCH?F[0]=COUNTRIES:202&F[1]=LANGUAGE:EN), EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC
(/SEARCH?F[0]=REGIONS:275&F[1]=LANGUAGE:EN), COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS)
(/SEARCH?F[0]=SERIES:881&F[1]=LANGUAGE:EN)
x
Authors
(/team/takiko-igarashi) (/team/takiko-igarashi)
Takiko Igarashi (/team/takiko-
igarashi)
Education Specialist
MORE BLOGS BY TAKIKO (/TEAM/TAKIKO-IGARASHI)
(/team/pablo-acosta) (/team/pablo-acosta)
Pablo Acosta (/team/pablo-acosta)
Program Leader for Human Development in
Brazil
MORE BLOGS BY PABLO (/TEAM/PABLO-ACOSTA)
(/team/nicholas-tenazas) (/team/nicholas-tenazas)
Nicholas Tenazas (/team/nicholas-
tenazas)
Education x
MORE BLOGS BY NICHOLAS (/TEAM/NICHOLAS-TENAZAS)
Maria Lina Baring

JUNE 12, 2020
Thank you for being part of the ALS program. We consider the
ALS teaching profession as a passion, an apostolate and a
calling. We are happy to see the OSY and OSA succeed in their
lives. That is our fulfillment as an ALS implementers
Sally L. Alameda
JUNE 15, 2020
I am willing and happy as part of the als implementer.
Maria Cherina Ballar

JUNE 15, 2020
ALs has proven itself useful to many of our youths today..They

still have the chance to putsue their dream career despite the
crisis...The program is one of the many successes of the
deped..let's continue to support it.
Isabelita B.Limpag
JUNE 17, 2020
I strongly agree that als program is one very important

opportunity for every out of school youth to pursue their
studies even in the tertiary level.In addition,they would
become productive and useful citizen in the country.
Racma A. Lauban
JUNE 21, 2020
Education should be the top priority and must be continued by x

all means.
Racma A. Lauban
JUNE 21, 2020
Education should be the top priority and must be continued by

all means.
NORAIMA EDZA TATA

JUNE 21, 2020
ALS PROGRAM MUST BE CONTINUE LEARNING ESPECIALLY

FOR THOSE STUDENTS OUT OF SCHOOL
Agnes Unabia
JUNE 21, 2020
ALS gives not only chances to those who weren't able to

continue education in their younger age but it also gives
opportunities to those who're more willing to learn and make
their lives better...this is an integral program of DepEd and
should be given much more attention too... Especially in this
time of Pandemic
APRILYM G. ROBLES
JUNE 21, 2020
Thank you for the ALs program for helping youth to pursue
thier studies.
ASMA G. ABO
JUNE 21, 2020
ALS Education plays a vital part in this pandemic period and so

the government should put more attention to it.
Samia B. Ugka
JUNE 21, 2020
ALS is one of the best education in the OSY, it gives another

chance to those students who stop their education because of
x
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financialfunctionality
problems.andAndgive
weyou
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are successful
people who are products of ALS.
Arlene R. Bacera
JUNE 21, 2020
ALS is important to every OSY in our country to help them

bridge thier dreams to pursue their studies to obtain a degree
in the future.ALS opens opportunity to the less fortunate
achieve their ambition.
ASMA G. ABO
JUNE 21, 2020
ALS plays a vital part in this pandemic period and so DepEd

and goverment should join hand in giving full support to it.
Angelita T Cruz
JUNE 21, 2020
Continuity of learning must be priority
Amirah A. Hamsa
JUNE 21, 2020
Yes, I agree.
Gilalyn L. Usman
JUNE 21, 2020
ALS program is a very good..it helps a lot to our out of School

youth to continue learning and pursue there ambition.
Yolanda Y.Limon
JUNE 21, 2020
All advocacy of DepEd for the benefits of the ALS
Norhaina E. Nanding
JUNE 21, 2020
Thank you for sharing this. I have gain a lot of knowledge

x
about
this website beyond this page,ALS and will
cookies howbeitplaced
works.on your browser. To learn more about cookies, click here.
Bai Nora E. Lupawan
JUNE 21, 2020
ALS plays a big role in DEPED
MERELYN B. MAQUILING
JUNE 21, 2020
We need a big heart individuals & have a passion with love in

teaching that not corrupt in any ways(in general) to have a
better tomorrow. I pray?.
Marlene Camay
JUNE 21, 2020
Als should not be taken dorgranted because some pupils who

enrolled in this are also potential pupils some of them.cNnot
enrol because of some factors such as poverty, age. Etc.
Jocelyn Toledo
JUNE 21, 2020
We are very thankful that our country give special attention to

our ALS students.
christie mae calipayan

JUNE 21, 2020
ALS program gives the oppurtunity to our out of school youth

to continue their studies despite of the pandemic crisis...
Emalyn Sumalpong Caspillo

JUNE 21, 2020
Thank you worldbank
JUNE 21, 2020 x
I hope people working has a big heart & not to attempt to
corrupt in any ways. I pray ?.
JUNE 21, 2020
Has a big heart & God fearing persons.
MARIBEL AUSTRIA
JUNE 21, 2020
Yes to Als
MARIBEL AUSTRIA
JUNE 21, 2020
ALS can help more students
Bairuth P Macalapin
JUNE 21, 2020
Its good that many agencies are iniciating for improvement of

ALS..
FATIMA U. CORDERO
JUNE 21, 2020
I am agree that als program is very useful to our yourhs today

to pursue their dreams despite of crisis.
RHOSE T. YBAS
JUNE 21, 2020
ALS is very important way of learning to reach out the

learners...Good job and God bless to ALS implementer..
Chyrille Fe A.Acosta
x
JUNE 21, 2020
This program is very useful especially for working and parent
youth who diesn't have time to go in school.
Chyrille Fe A.Acosta
JUNE 21, 2020
This program is very useful especially for working and parent

youth who diesn't have time to go in school.
Rayan
JUNE 21, 2020
ALS must be continue because it serves as a gateway for the

out of school youth to continue their education. It could help a
lot in eradicating ignorant and lessen issues on poverty in a
long term. I would suggest, the government should intensify
support on this program and provide enough resources for
better implementation.
Chyrille Fe A. Acosta
JUNE 21, 2020
This program is very useful to our out of school youth, i also

agree that this is the good alternative schooling especially in
pandemic.
Namraida Lumna
JUNE 21, 2020
ALS is very important to those OSY who wanted to fulfill their

dreams come true. As a teacher, i am fully supported this
program of the DepEd.
Zubaida D. Lumigis
JUNE 21, 2020
Support the ALS program of the Department of Education to

achieve the target quality of education of the learners
particularly in ALS. x
Zubaida D. Lumigis
JUNE 21, 2020
Support the ALS program of the Department of Education to

achieve the target quality of education of the learners
particularly in ALS.
Elizabeth S. Bompat
JUNE 21, 2020
OK for the opportunity
Elizabeth S. Bompat
JUNE 21, 2020
OK for the opportunity
Cipriano R. Balili
JULY 12, 2020
Am willing to be part of ALS. ty
Kadafi B. Tunggal
JULY 12, 2020
As an IM, I am very thankful for being a part of ALS 2.0

Impemeter because I’ve learned a lot of things, different kinds
of challenges in reaching those people in the remote areas,
especially to the OSYA people.
Luke Dulfo
JULY 13, 2020
Hello guys sobrang nonsense na ng ALS dahil hindi na nila

pinapadiretso ang graduates sa college kundi senior high it
beats the purpose ng original ALS
Julian Oyales x
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ALS wil surely be a support to bridging the already widening
gap between rich and poor but will enliven a system so broken
up.
Dante Cuadrado
JUNE 17, 2021
The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is indeed an avenue for

Out of School Youth and Adults (OSYAs) who were not given
the opportunities to continue their studies in the formal
school due to poverty and other reasons. This is the way for
OSYAs to pursue and realize their dreams of finishing Basic
Education. I am a supporter of...
READ MORE...
JOVENCIO L. PINO JR.

NOVEMBER 20, 2021
The second chance education in the Philippines is still

improving, yet the learners and teachers struggle a lot,
especially in this challenging time brought by Covid-19. Being
in the ALS program is such a blessing. It motivates me to
extend to the less fortunate ones. I am praying that one day,
the success of the systematic program shortens the program...
READ MORE...
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Published on East Asia & Pacific on the Rise (/eastasiapacific)

Second-chance education should

Even before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there

The Philippines has one of the world’s largest second-

The Alternative Learning System (ALS)

Completing basic education is a gateway for all to further

How does ALS achieve these results? Flexibility is a critical

ALS also plays a big role in geographic areas where

Challenges in the ALS

Despite its successes, there is significant room for

One key challenge is the shortage of fundamental inputs.

Typical learning environments for ALS, such as open-air

Most importantly, ALS’ system components, designed a

The Department of Education has recognized these

And this agenda is more important than ever, as COVID-19

EDUCATION (/SEARCH?F[0]=TOPIC:287&F[1]=LANGUAGE:EN), PHILIPPINES

MORE BLOGS BY TAKIKO (/TEAM/TAKIKO-IGARASHI)

MORE BLOGS BY PABLO (/TEAM/PABLO-ACOSTA)

Maria Lina Baring

I am willing and happy as part of the als implementer.

Maria Cherina Ballar

ALs has proven itself useful to many of our youths today..They

I strongly agree that als program is one very important

Education should be the top priority and must be continued by x

Education should be the top priority and must be continued by

NORAIMA EDZA TATA

ALS PROGRAM MUST BE CONTINUE LEARNING ESPECIALLY

ALS gives not only chances to those who weren't able to

ALS Education plays a vital part in this pandemic period and so

ALS is one of the best education in the OSY, it gives another

ALS is important to every OSY in our country to help them

ALS plays a vital part in this pandemic period and so DepEd

Continuity of learning must be priority

ALS program is a very good..it helps a lot to our out of School

All advocacy of DepEd for the benefits of the ALS

Thank you for sharing this. I have gain a lot of knowledge

ALS plays a big role in DEPED

We need a big heart individuals & have a passion with love in

Als should not be taken dorgranted because some pupils who

We are very thankful that our country give special attention to

christie mae calipayan

ALS program gives the oppurtunity to our out of school youth

Emalyn Sumalpong Caspillo

Thank you worldbank

Has a big heart & God fearing persons.

ALS can help more students

Its good that many agencies are iniciating for improvement of

I am agree that als program is very useful to our yourhs today

ALS is very important way of learning to reach out the

This program is very useful especially for working and parent

ALS must be continue because it serves as a gateway for the

This program is very useful to our out of school youth, i also

ALS is very important to those OSY who wanted to fulfill their

Support the ALS program of the Department of Education to

Support the ALS program of the Department of Education to

OK for the opportunity

OK for the opportunity

Am willing to be part of ALS. ty

As an IM, I am very thankful for being a part of ALS 2.0

Hello guys sobrang nonsense na ng ALS dahil hindi na nila

The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is indeed an avenue for

JOVENCIO L. PINO JR.

The second chance education in the Philippines is still