Bicam OKs alternative learning system bill — Gatchalian
MANILA, Philippine — The bicameral conference committee Thursday approved a bill institutionalizing a flexible education program outside a formal school system to cater to marginalized sectors, Senator Win Gatchalian said.
“Aprubado na po ng Bicam ang Alternative Learning System Act!” Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate committee on basic education, arts and culture, said on Twitter.
(The Bicam has already approved the Alternative Learning System Act!)
“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa ating isinusulong. Malaking tulong ito para sa ating mga kababayan na makabalik sa pag-aaral at magkaroon ng pangalawang pagkakataon sa buhay,” he added.
(Thank you to all those who showed support to our measure. This is of big help to our countrymen to return to school and have a second chance in life.)
Aprubado na po ng Bicam ang Alternative Learning System Act! Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa ating isinusulong. Malaking tulong ito para sa ating mga kababayan na makabalik sa pag-aaral at magkaroon ng pangalawang pagkakataon sa buhay. #education pic.twitter.com/XTVzxcus4k
— Win Gatchalian (@WinGatchalian74) September 17, 2020
The bicameral committee report has yet to be ratified by the Senate and the House of Representatives before the bill can be transmitted to the President for signature.
Once enacted into law, the measure will guarantee “equitable access” for learning especially for those who reside in “unreached, unreached, underserved, conflict-affected communities, and communities in emergency situations.”
Through this measure, they will be able to avail “systematic, flexible, and appropriate” basic education programs even outside a formal school system.
Previously, Gatchalian said over 278,000 learners were enrolled in 2019 under the Department of Education’s alternative learning system (ALS) program.
Contrary to a formal education system, ALS is a community-based education, which is usually conducted in community learning centers, barangay multi-purpose halls or at home at an agreed schedule and venue between the learners and learning facilitators.
