Alternative Learning System opens door of opportunity and helps transform lives especially for the deprived.  It is accessible to all regardless of all age, sex and background.  The Dep Ed through BALS (Bureau of Alternative Learning System) caters to the educational needs of all Filipinos who are unable to avail of the formal school system or those who have dropped out of the system.

            The importance of Alternative Learning System is to break the cycle between literacy and poverty.  It provides opportunities to the economically depressed and disadvantaged to upgrade the skills of the learners, knowledge and competencies and gain elementary or secondary certificate in order to improve their lives and that of their families.

            It has always been premised that the OSY (Out-of-School Youths) who end up dropping from school due to financial constraints are destined to suffer from lack of access to lucrative high-paying jobs that would otherwise lift up their families from poverty.  This situation has traditionally been described as a vicious cycle of poverty – one where unless there is effective intervention, will continue unabated.

            It is proposed that the Alternative Learning System provides one such intervention that can break the cycle.  Recent experiences from learners who completed and passed the ALS A&E (Accreditation & Equivalency) test tie up with the scholarship program of TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) has shown that the ALS can increase the chances of high school dropouts and increasing the employment opportunity after the trainings.

           

By: Gloria B. Crisostomo | Teacher III | District ALS Coordinator Pilar Elementary School