18/09/2026
APAYAO ALS IMPLEMENTERS GATHER FOR FIRST TERM ALS KUMUSTAHAN 2026
LUNA, APAYAO — The Schools Division of Apayao convened ALS teachers, school heads, supervisors, and education specialists for the First Term ALS Kumustahan 2026 on September 17 at Leonarda’s Homestay, Tumog, Luna, Apayao, to assess program implementation and strengthen strategies for responsive and learner-centered ALS delivery.
The gathering brought together ALS teachers, ALS School-Based Management (SBM) School Heads, Public Schools District Supervisors (PSDSs), Education Program Supervisors (EPSs), Education Program Specialists for ALS (EPSAs), and the Chief Education Supervisor of the Curriculum and Instruction Division (CID).
The activity provided a venue for participants to discuss ALS accomplishments, implementation challenges, emerging opportunities, and possible strategies to further improve the delivery of learning programs to ALS learners.
In her message, Schools Division Superintendent Benedicta B. Gamatero, PhD, CESO V, urged ALS implementers to broaden their understanding of the program and look beyond its traditional characterization as merely an “alternative” pathway to education.
“ALS is not always relatively alternative,” SDS Gamatero said.
She cited the Advancing Academic Development through Alternative Learning – Promoting Leadership Upskilling and Sustainability Program (ADAL-PLUS) as an example of an initiative that generated positive responses from stakeholders. She encouraged ALS implementers to build on the program's experiences and explore innovative approaches to learning delivery.
“I saw personally how we perform and how our stakeholders appreciate ADAL-PLUS. To me, that is something new. We should enhance it, and let us see how we in DepEd can do it differently,” she said.
SDS Gamatero emphasized that ALS implementation should not be measured solely by the completion of learning sessions. She stressed that learning becomes meaningful when learners are able to apply their knowledge and skills in their daily lives and recognize their own capabilities and potential.
“They were able to see their worth not because they are old but because of the learning they had through the sessions in the ADAL program,” she said.
The Schools Division Superintendent also called on ALS implementers to strengthen partnerships with barangays and involve local officials in supporting ALS initiatives. She noted that community engagement should go beyond identifying potential learners and should include establishing stronger partnerships with barangay stakeholders.
“We reach out to the barangay. It should not always be the over-age learners that we are going to find, but including the barangay officials,” Gamatero said.
She likewise reminded ALS implementers to remain focused on their responsibilities and purpose and to avoid being distracted by comparisons with others.
“We do not need to prove anything to anyone,” she emphasized.
Gamatero encouraged the ALS team to remain humble and committed to their work, allowing their actions and accomplishments to demonstrate their dedication to the program.
“Let your action speak when words are no longer necessary. Just do your work. Just be yourselves,” she added.
The First Term ALS Kumustahan 2026 concluded with a renewed commitment among ALS implementers and education leaders to strengthen program implementation through collaboration, innovation, community engagement, and learner-centered practices.
The activity underscored the Division's continuing efforts to make ALS more relevant and responsive to the diverse needs and circumstances of learners while ensuring that learning opportunities translate into meaningful outcomes in their lives.
On the latter, the Education Program Supervisors of the Curriculum Implementation Division spearheaded by Maam Joy D. Saleng had provided inputs, suggestions and recommendations towards a more effective implementation of the ALS program within the division. Also, the Focal Person for ALS, EPS Arnold A. Tomas quoted that "Every learners deserve a champion and an adult educator who will never give up on them". This embark that as the ALS team continues its work, the gathering highlighted a shared direction for the program: to reach out to learners and communities, care for and nurture learners, inspire them to recognize their potential, and make learning meaningful and relevant to everyday life
Arnold Agustin Tomas
Freddie Calantes Juan
Darwin Maludon Padre
