By Merlina Hernando-Malipot
To strengthen and enhance its Alternative Learning System (ALS) program, the Department of Education (DepEd) is piloting an initiative that integrates a skills training component into the program.
The ALS is considered DepEd’s flagship program offering non-formal education to out-of-school Filipino youth and adults who have failed to complete basic education.
The ALS-Education and Skills Training or ALS-EST is aimed at producing ALS completers who have acquired academic and technical competencies suitable for immediate employment.
In line with this, DepEd is seeking partnerships with government agencies, non-government organizations, public or private academic institutions, non-stock non-profit corporations, or local government units for the delivery of ALS-EST projects.
DepEd said that the principal proponent of an ALS-EST project needs to apply for accreditation to the ALS-EST Development Facility under the Development Academy of the Philippines.
Interested parties may apply for accreditation as eligible partners for ALS-EST projects. The deadline for submission of accreditations is onJanuary 26, 2018.