SECOND CHANCE EDUCATION. Despite the urgent need to work, a learner from SDO-Balanga City arrives early at the module drop-off point to get materials for the Alternative Learning System – Senior High School. Balanga City is one of the 10 divisions in the region implementing ALS-SHS providing lifelong and second-chance education to out-of-school youths and adults.
A total of 1,722 senior high school students under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program have started their classes as 23 public high schools in Central Luzon launched their ALS-SHS Program on November 22, 2021.
The high schools which now offer ALS-SHS include Dipaculao National High School in Aurora; Bataan National High School-SHS in Balanga City; Guiguinto Technical Vocational High School, Iluminada National High School, Prenza National High School, and San Rafael National High School in Bulacan; Bongabon National High School, Cabiao National High School, Dr. Ramon D. Santos National High School, Exequiel R. Lina National High School, General Tinio National High School, Nueva Ecija High School, Rizal National High School, San Ricardo National High School, Sta. Rosa National High School, Talabutab Norte National High School, Talavera National High School, and Vega National High School in Nueva Ecija; San Matias National High School in Pampanga; Tarlac National High School in Tarlac Province; and Subic National High School in Zambales.
In 2019, through DepEd Order 13, series 2019 (Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of Enhanced Alternative Learning System 2.0), DepEd mandated the inclusion of the SHS level in the ALS Program, which is equivalent to Grades 11 and 12 in the formal education system. It ensures that all ALS learners will be equipped with competencies required for employment, entrepreneurship, middle-level skills, and tertiary education.
This is further strengthened with the passage of Republic Act No. 11510 (ALS Act) in December 2020, where it is emphasized that Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test Elementary level passers are qualified to enroll in Junior High School (JHS); A&E Test JHS level passers are qualified to enroll in Senior High School (SHS) or in selected technical vocational education and training programs through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); and A&E Test SHS level passers are qualified to enroll in higher education (subject to the requirements set by higher education institutions), or in technical vocational education and training programs through TESDA.
As a legacy program of the current administration, ALS is part of DepEd’s commitment that education continues for Filipino out-of-school children in special circumstances, youth, and adults (OSCYA) amid and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
