The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is a parallel learning system in the Philippines 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. A viable alternative to the existing formal education system, ALS encompasses both non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills. As a second chance education program, it aims to empower OSYA learners to continue learning in a manner, time and place suitable to their preference and circumstances, and for them to achieve their goals of improving their quality of life and becoming productive contributors to society.
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 of Basic Education Act, otherwise known as 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. On December 23, 2020, the President of the Philippines signed Republic Act No. 11510, or “An Act Institutionalizing the Alternative Learning System in Basic Education for Out-of-School Children in Special Cases and Adults, and Appropriating Funds Therefor,” which provides the much needed support to further expand and strengthen the implementation of ALS throughout the country.
As defined in the new ALS Act, these are: Adults – Filipinos age 18 years old and above who were not able to begin or continue basic elementary or secondary) education in formal school 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
Interested ALS learners 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 2x2 ID picture (white background) Form 137 (only for learners from the formal education system)
Upon submission of all the required documents, the ALS learner should be registered by the ALS teacher in the Learner Information System (LIS). A unique Learner Reference Number (LRN) will be issued if successfully enrolled in the system. Note that each learner, whether in ALS or in the formal education system, should possess one LRN only.
As defined in the new ALS Act, these are: ALS teachers - DepEd-employed teachers who implement the ALS programs Community ALS implementors - persons engaged either by DepEd or any local government unit (LGU) to deliver ALS programs to out-of-school children and adults Learning facilitators - teachers financed by the private sector (NGOs, CSOs, or individuals) who implement ALS programs
