The Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program of the Department of Education (DepEd) is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that provides opportunities for out-of-school children in special cases and adults (OSCA) to develop basic and functional literacy skills, and to access equivalent pathways to complete basic education. A viable alternative to the existing formal education system, AL
S encompasses both nonformal and informal sources of knowledge and skills. It aims to empower OSCA learners to continue learning in a manner, time, and place suitable to their preference and circumstances, and for them to achieve their goals of improving their quality of life and becoming productive and self-sufficient contributors to society. In 2016, the ALS Program began undergoing reforms as part of strengthening, intensifying, and expanding its implementation. Three years of consultation, review, and development of policies, training, and evaluation with partners in the government, local and international non-government agencies, and civil society organizations led to the finalization of the enhanced ALS K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum (BEC), the development of the ALS Program 2.0, and the roll-out of the five-year ALS 2.0 Strategic Roadmap. In December 2020, Republic Act No. 11510 (An Act Institutionalizing the Alternative Learning System in Basic Education for Out-of-School Children in Special Cases and Adults and Appropriating Funds Therefor), otherwise known as the “ALS Act," was signed into law. Vision:
By 2022, we will have nation-loving and competent lifelong learners who are able to respond to challenges and opportunities through quality, accessible, relevant, and liberating K to 12 Program delivered by a modern, professional, pro-active, nimble, trusted, and nurturing DepEd. Mission:
To develop exemplary programs and open learning opportunities for out-of-school youth and adults to achieve multiple competencies and skills for Industry 4.0.
