The Alternative Learning System (ALS) provides an opportunity for people to realize their dream of a brighter future.
Nine ALS graduates shared their inspiring stories with learners in the ALS Congress and Festival with the theme, “Building a Culture of Literacy: The Power of Communities as Catalysts of Literacy Development” held at the Lagawe Central School Gymnasium in the capital town on November 9 and 10, 2023.
Vea Clarisse Viloria shared that ALS was her second chance and a stepping stone in achieving her dream of becoming a teacher.
Vea Clarisse Viloria, an ALS graduate, and now a licensed professional teacher shares her success story with the ALS learner at the ALS Congress and Festival 2023
“Without ALS, maybe I would not have had a second chance. Without ALS, I might not have had a stepping stone to continue my educational journey. DepEd is true to its advocacy: Education is for everyone,” said Viloria, now a licensed professional teacher at Good News Christian Academy in Banaue.
Viloria dropped out when she became a teenage mom. Fortunately, she was encouraged by an ALS teacher to continue her high school education through ALS in her hometown, Banaue.
Raquel Basilio shared that she stopped her studies when she got married at a young age. However, through ALS, she was able to resume her education and earned a bachelor’s degree. Basilio is now a licensed teacher and currently teaches at Tinoc National High School.
Barangay Kagawad Estela Baguilat of Baguinge, Kiangan proudly shows her outputs during her ALS study in 2022.
“Maraming salamat po sa implementors ng ALS dahil marami po kayong natulungan na katulad kong nadapa ngunit pinilit bumangon. Maraming-maraming salamat po dahil marami kayong pangarap na tinupad, marami po kayong buhay na napasaya, at buhay na napaganda,” said Basilio in a video message.
Meanwhile, Barangay Kagawad Estela Baguilat of Baguinge, Kiangan said that ALS boosted her confidence, leading her to try her luck in the recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election.
Fortunately, she was chosen as one of the barangay kagawads in Baguinge.
“I am very happy for this accomplishment,” said Baguilat .
The 54-year-old is very thankful to her ALS teacher Madeline Tayaban who encouraged her to continue her junior high school. Baguilat shared that she was supposed to travel abroad but was declined because she was an undergraduate. This pushed her to continue and finish her junior high school through ALS.
Other ALS alumni who shared their success stories online are Philippine Army Private Spencer Nablea from the Alfonso Lista district; Patrolman Alkane Jos Ligmayo of the 1st Ifugao Provincial Mobile Force Company; Oscar Bravo Jr., an air conditioner technician in Saudi Arabia; Roel Bulintao, a mechanic in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Greg Gumuwang, a permanent employee at Lagawe Local Government Unit,and Sheryll Ullay from Asipulo, currently teaching at Rosario Elementary School in Cavite.
Division Schools Superintendent Gloria B. Buya-ao challenged the 220 ALS learners to help themselves learn, make sacrifices to cultivate a culture of literacy, commit to undergoing the learning process, and expand their knowledge for future success. She also encouraged everyone to actively engage in community development through education.
Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano also advised the learners that problems encountered in their pursuit of education should not discourage them but should lead them to seize the opportunity to attain their goals and establish themselves in the future.
The Vice Governor emphasized the importance of listening in order to learn, stating that it is in the hands of the learners to create their own history and future.
Board Member Joselito Guyguyon likewise reminded the learners to have resolve in order to reach their goals. He reminded them that he and other officials also started from humble beginnings but were determined to reach their dreams despite their circumstances.
“ALS learners always have the resolve to try to improve. Being in ALS, you are given the opportunity to learn. Learning is for societal change. It is a way to help the government minimize some problems in the community.”
The ALS Congress and Festival, organized by the Schools Division Office Ifugao, aims to foster a culture of literacy by bringing together ALS learners to showcase their talents, engage in friendly competition, and promote the power of communities as catalysts for literacy development.
ALS functions as a parallel learning system within the Philippines that provides a practical option to the existing formal instruction. It serves as a substitute when individuals lack access to or cannot pursue formal education in traditional school settings. ALS includes both the non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills.
The ALS Congress and Festival organized by the Schools Division Office Ifugao, aims to foster a culture of literacy by bringing together ALS learners to showcase their talents, engage in friendly competition, and promote the power of communities as catalysts for literacy development. It was participated by 220 ALS learners from the 11 municipalities in the province. (JDP/FBR-PIA CAR, Ifugao)
