Former ALS learner returns as mobile teacher to inspire students
MANILA, Philippines — The Alternative Learning System (ALS) has helped Filipinos whose studies were interrupted by illness, poverty and other hardships rebuild their lives through flexible education, the Department of Education (DepEd) said.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the government aimed to make education more inclusive by strengthening ALS for learners struggling in or outside formal schools.
“These successes prove that with the right intervention and support, every Filipino can overcome any challenge in their studies toward a brighter future,” Angara said in Filipino.
Among the program’s graduates is Aldwin Balintec of Cauayan City, who stopped schooling in 2001 after a sudden illness left him unable to walk at age 13.
In 2009, Balintec met an ALS mobile teacher who introduced him to the program for out-of-school youth. With his teacher’s guidance, he passed the Accreditation and Equivalency test and later pursued a Bachelor of Elementary Education at Isabela State University as a local government scholar.
Balintec eventually passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers.
After serving as a literacy volunteer, he was hired as an elementary teacher under the Schools Division Office of Cauayan City in 2016. Months later, his former ALS supervisor offered him a post as an ALS mobile teacher for Cauayan East District.
“Without hesitation, I accepted the offer, believing it was my calling—helping others who have yet to achieve their dreams and inspiring them through empathy and understanding. I was once hopeless, lost, and among the least in society. I am very thankful for this program that gave me the opportunity to uplift my life,” Balintec said.
ALS graduate Rinda Limkul of San Fernando City, La Union, also returned to education through the program after financial struggles forced her to stop schooling at age 13.
To help support herself, Limkul sold snacks such as lumpia and pancit.
A few years later, she was introduced to ALS, which she pursued with the guidance of her teacher.
After graduating from ALS, Limkul entered college in 2016, earned her degree in 2022 and passed the Civil Service Examination, allowing her to secure a government job.
“My journey is still far from over, but I’m already miles from where I began, and I pat my past self as I look back. If a broke, tired, doubtful kid like me made it, then trust me, so can you,” Limkul said.
DepEd said ALS also reached 57-year-old Rebecca Simbulan, a vegetable vendor from Batac, Ilocos Norte, who walked kilometers daily to support her children before graduating from senior high school in 2026.
Simbulan balanced academic modules with her livelihood as she worked to help her family overcome poverty.
DepEd urged more out-of-school youth and adults to enroll in ALS for School Year 2026-2027, saying the program offers a second chance at education through flexible and accessible learning options.
