RO XI Alternative Learning System

Alternative Learning System (ALS) implementers from across DepEd Region XI gathered for the 1st Quarter Regional ALS Conference currently being held at the Ritz Hotel in Bo. Obrero.

Regional Director Allan G. Farnazo graced the conference and shared his vision for an ALS program that goes beyond numbers and targets.

“This coming school year, we will see ALS na punong-puno ng puso,” Farnazo said, emphasizing that the heart of the program lies in its mission to bring more learners back to school and help them transition to their age-appropriate grade level.

For Farnazo, the strength of ALS is not measured solely by statistics, but by the compassion and dedication of educators who continue to reach out to out-of-school youth and adults.

The conference is being led by Regional ALS Focal Person Maricel Langahid, who facilitated discussions on key ALS initiatives.

Among the highlights of the activity are discussions on the policies and guidelines under DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2026 and DepEd Order No. 007 s. 2025, presentation of the ALS tracer study, and reporting of the CY 2025 physical and financial accomplishments and CY 2026 plans. Updates on e-learning pathways, A&E tests, ALS Senior High School, research initiatives, and evaluation mechanisms for ALS SHS tools and downloaded funds were also presented.

The activity is also attended by CLMD chief, Dr. Mary Jeanne Aldeguer, and School heads and coordinators of BPOSA implementing schools.

WALANG EDAD ANG EDUKASYON

Sa pinalawak na Department of Education Alternative Learning System (ALS), mas pinapalakas natin ang flexible at lehitimong learning pathways para sa out-of-school youth at adults.

Inaayon ang ALS sa K to 12 curriculum at kinikilala ang dating kaalaman at karanasan ng learners.

May malinaw na landas mula ALS patungo sa trabaho, technical-vocational training, o pagpapatuloy ng pormal na pag-aaral.

Ang mga repormang ito ay nakaangkla sa malinaw na direksyon ni President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at sa bisyon ng Bagong Pilipinas: edukasyong inklusibo, may dangal, at may tunay na ikalawang pagkakataon para sa bawat Pilipino, kahit saan ka man nagsimula.

BASAHIN: https://www.deped.gov.ph/2026/01/22/pinalawak-na-alternative-learning-system-nagbubukas-ng-mas-flexible-na-learning-pathways-para-sa-out-of-school-learners/

𝙁𝙇𝙀𝙓 𝙆𝙊 𝙇𝘼𝙉𝙂

DepEd Tagum City's very own ALS Palengskwelahan made it into the Top 20 Leaderboard of Khan Academy Philippines, securing the Top 2 spot among all implementers in the entire country.

Notably, Tagum’s Palengskwelahan is the lone ALS Community Learning Center (CLC) to make it to the list.

This demonstrates ALS Tagum's great stride towards capitalizing on digital equipment and learning resources to teach and empower learners from all walks of life.

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬: 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐦’𝐬 𝐀𝐋𝐒 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

“Focus on what you can do.”

This was the inspiring reminder of Tagum City Councilor Ciara Isabell Uy-Salazar as she welcomed the ALS Digos City delegation during their benchmarking activity at the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center.

The two-day immersion, which concluded today, gave Digos ALS teachers a closer look at Tagum’s flagship programs - Palengskwelahan, e-learning, and ALS-Senior High School. Uy-Salazar emphasized that while resources may be limited, creativity and commitment can still make learning accessible and impactful.

Guided by Dr. Leila I. Ibita, Tagum’s Division ALS Focal Person, along with ALS specialists and LGU partners, the delegation visited the Schools Division Office; Tagum National Trade School, a school-based learning center; and a community-based learning center to see how these programs are carried out.

Dr. Ibita highlighted the critical role of LGU support in advancing ALS innovations, citing the Palengskwelahan classrooms at the market as a prime example. In these unique learning spaces, lessons are enriched with Khan Academy, while students benefit from gadgets provided by DepEd and partner organizations.

Leading the Digos delegation, ALS Focal Person Dr. Gervasio Salinas Jr. expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Tagum’s pioneering practices - insights that, he said, will inspire their own programs back home.

To underscore the importance of Alternative Learning System (ALS) performance in the country, especially in light of the recent Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test results, utilization of downloaded funds, and recent enrollment record; DepEd Regional Office XI gathered key officials for the 3rd Quarter Regional ALS Conference happening today at Emilia Healing Resort, Brgy. San Jose, Samal District, Island Garden City of Samal.

Curriculum and Learning Management Division (CLMD) Chief Mary Jeanne B. Aldeguer, in her message, emphasized that accurate and timely reporting is crucial in reflecting the real state of ALS implementation across the region.

“Report must be first among equals,” Aldeguer stressed, highlighting the vital role of monitoring performance and data integrity in advancing ALS outcomes.

The activity provided updates on the opening of ALS classes for School Year 2025–2026, enrollment status in the 11 Schools Division Offices, results of the 2024 ALS A&E Test, and utilization of Program Support Funds (PSF).

Discussions also tackled the status of Transportation and Teaching Aid (TTA) allowances for ALS teachers and addressed issues and challenges encountered by the divisions.

It also highlighted the accomplishments of the region and each division office, along with the targets set for upcoming activities to further strengthen ALS implementation in Davao Region.

The conference is attended by ALS Regional Focal Person Maricel S. Langahid, Division ALS focal persons, as well as division budget and region and division planning officers and will end until tomorrow.

DepEd Region XI, together with ALS Digos City, ALS Davao City, and ALS Davao Oriental, was honored by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) during its 34th Founding Anniversary celebration on August 26, 2025, at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City.

The recognition was given in appreciation of their invaluable partnership in implementing the Alternative Learning System (ALS) inside jail facilities, providing persons deprived of liberty the opportunity to continue their education despite challenging circumstances. The event was attended by Dr. Maricel Langahid, Regional ALS Focal Person, along with division ALS focal persons and Education Program Specialists for ALS (EPSAs), who represented their respective Schools Division Offices.

DepEd Region XI and the three Schools Division Offices expressed gratitude for the award and reaffirmed their commitment to sustain and strengthen ALS programs in BJMP-managed facilities. The recognition also serves as an inspiration to further expand education opportunities for all learners, regardless of their situation in life.

𝗔𝗕𝗦-𝗖𝗕𝗡 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

“And if anyone says it’s too late, tell them, ‘Excuse me, my future is still under construction but the grand opening is coming soon," Global Ambassador of ABS-CBN Foundation International Noriel P. Adricula told Alternative Learning System (ALS) students during his two-day immersion in the Davao Region, where he witnessed the program’s transformative reach, from correctional facilities and rural communities to public schools and innovative community-based classes.

Accompanied by Programa Genio Program Officer Michael Angelo Castro, ALS Regional Focal Person Maricel S. Langahid, and Division ALS Focal Persons, Adricula met learners in diverse settings- persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) determined to finish their education, adults in remote areas pursuing long-delayed dreams, and students in school-based ALS classes using tablets donated by the foundation.

During their visit in Davao Prison and Penal Farm, the group formally turned over uniforms for inmate-volunteers serving as Community ALS Implementers, and later observed the “Palengskwela” program in Tagum City, which brings ALS sessions closer to the community.

Along the way, Adricula heard stories that underscored ALS’s life-changing impact - from a 50-year-old learner in Kapatagan, Digos City aspiring to become a church pastor, to young adults in Panabo City who chose ALS over formal schooling to reclaim their educational journey.

“Keep learning. Keep going, and remember you are not just students, you are living proof that second chances are real and powerful,” he told them.

Speaking in Filipino, he added, “Hindi mahalaga kung saan ka galing. Ang mahalaga ay kung saan ka pupunta.”

His visit also included a courtesy call with DepEd Regional Director Alan G. Farnazo, where they discussed how ALS continues to open doors for thousands in the region.

He also witnessed how the program was implemented in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur and Carmen National High School in Davao del Norte.

“ABS-CBN Foundation will always be a partner of Filipinos in education,” he said, reaffirming the foundation’s mission to help learners everywhere. His message resonated across every stop of the visit: with determination, opportunity, and support, it’s never too late to learn, and always too soon to give up.

- Gervasio R. Salinas Jr.