Marikina City Mayor Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro recognized the inspiring efforts of Marikeño learners who successfully finished their studies in the city's Alternative Learning System (ALS) program.
Around 500 individuals of all ages in the elementary and junior high school levels graduated in the city this year, said the local government.
Alongside Mayor Teodoro, his wife District 1 Representative Marjorie Ann "Maan" Teodoro, officials from the Department of Education (DepEd) - Marikina, city and barangay officials also graced the ALS graduation ceremony at the Marikina Convention Center.
Mayor Teodoro said this year is the tenth year since the ALS was first implemented in the Marikina.
The ALS has been able to grant renewed educational opportunities for people who were unable to continue or finish their studies for financial, physical, mental or other reasons.
"Ang ALS ay pagkilala na ang pag-aaral ay mahalaga sapagkat dito tayo ay nagiging mas malakas, mas matalino, mas magaling, at mas marunong sa buhay. Pero higit sa lahat, alam ko na ang bawat isang nandito ngayon ay mayroong puso (The ALS recognizes that education is important because by learning, we become stronger, smarter, better skilled, capable in life, and most of all, develop fuller hearts)," said Mayor Teodoro.
"Hindi ko na kailangan pang sabihin ang mga salitang inaasahan kong magbibigay ng inspirasyon sapagkat kayo ang mismong inspirasyon. Kayo mismo ang pangarap, kayo ang buhay (I don't need to say inspiring words because you are the inspiration. You are the life and dream)," the mayor added.
After partaking in the ALS program, he hoped the graduates will continue their studies in college when the right time comes.
Rep. Teodoro also congratulated the graduates and expressed her belief in their abilities to chase their dreams.
"Lahat kayo na naririto na nagtapos ng ALS ay may kanya-kanyang pangarap. Maaaring para sa sarili ninyo, sa inyong anak, sa inyong asawa, sa inyong pamilya, pero walang humadlang sa pangarap ninyong iyon (Each one of you has their own dream for yourself, your children, your spouses, or your family. But no one and nothing hindered you from reaching your goals)," she said.
The ALS system is a "parallel learning system" that can be taken by people who do not have access to formal basic education in schools, according to DepEd.
It is an option that opens individuals of all ages to study in the elementary to high school levels through learning modes that are customized to their situations and needs.