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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 400 ALS learners earn micro-certificates under DepEd, UNICEF program

400 ALS learners earn micro-certificates under DepEd, UNICEF program

Initiative empowers out-of-school youth with real-world skills and employment opportunities

Published Oct 16, 2025 04:31 pm
Around 400 Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners were awarded micro-certificates under DepEd’s partnership with UNICEF Philippines, recognizing essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership to improve employability and lifelong learning. (Photo from DepEd)
Around 400 Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners were awarded micro-certificates under DepEd’s partnership with UNICEF Philippines, recognizing essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership to improve employability and lifelong learning. (Photo from DepEd)
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday, October 16, announced that around 400 Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners were recognized this week after completing DepEd’s Micro-Certification Program—an initiative developed in partnership with UNICEF Philippines to validate and strengthen life skills essential for work and lifelong learning.
DepEd, in a statement, said the micro-certification program is part of its continuing effort to provide pathways for employment and further education, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration’s push for inclusive and skills-based learning.
Through the program, ALS learners earn formal credentials for competencies such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving—giving them an advantage when seeking jobs or pursuing technical and higher education.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara congratulated the awardees, emphasizing that every milestone achieved in ALS represents a step toward empowerment and dignity.
“Sa ating mga micro-certification completers, kayo po ang pruweba na hindi kailangang mabilis ang pagkuha ng life goals (To our micro-certification completers, you are proof that achieving life goals doesn’t have to be rushed),” Angara said in a message.
“It can come in steps, in modules, in micro-wins that eventually build a life of purpose and pride. Because in ALS, we don’t just measure success by how high you’ve climbed, but by how far you’ve come. And today, each of you has reached a summit worth celebrating,” he added.
The program, anchored on Republic Act No. 11510 or the Alternative Learning System Act and aligned with the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF), uses a 360-degree assessment involving self-ratings, teachers, and community raters to gauge learners’ life skills.
Since its pilot phase between 2022 and 2025, DepEd—together with UNICEF, the Australian Council for Educational Research, and the University of Melbourne—has already issued 2,854 micro-certificates across eight Schools Division Offices: Manila, Aurora, Batangas, Iriga, Lapu-Lapu, Misamis Oriental, Davao City, and South Cotabato.
DepEd said it plans to expand the program to more divisions and integrate micro-certification results into ALS improvement frameworks, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education.
“Each badge or credential represents a story of progress, a small triumph that leads to greater opportunities for work and livelihood,” Angara said.

Related Tags

ALS learners DepEd Alternative Learning System UNICEF Philippines Sonny Angara life skills certification out-of-school youth
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