For how many months of struggle, learning, discoveries, and friendship, the day has come. Accreditation and Equivalency Test, the most awaited part and the final judgement which test the capacity and learnings that the learners have. The test has been administered on March 3, 2019, Sunday at Silay South Elementary School. Registration started at 6:30 – 7:30AM. The test started at 8:00 AM. The learners in each room was focused and eagerly answered the test with full of hope that in the end they can pass. 35 elementary takers and 642 junior high school learners took the exam. At last they were able to take the exam. Luckily, after how many days passed, the result was finally posted, and it amazed us. There are 14 elementary learners and 476 junior high school learners who passed the A & E test. It was a victory for us ALS implementers and to our learners. Congratulations to our dear learners for their great achievement!
ALS Activities throughout the school year
Mappings, launchings and social mobilization
ALS updates and seminars
Our learnersand their accomplishments
What is ALS?
ALS is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that provides a practical option to the existing formal instruction. When one does not have or cannot access formal education in schools, ALS is an alternate or substitute. ALS includes both the non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills.
The Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS A&E) Test, formerly known as the Non-formal Education A&E Test, is a paper and pencil test designed to measure the competencies of those who have neither attended nor finished elementary or secondary education in the formal school system.
Passers of the A&E Test are given a certificate/diploma, bearing the Department of Education (DepEd) seal and the signature of the Secretary, certifying their competencies as comparable graduates of the formal school system. Passers are qualified to enroll in secondary and post-secondary schools
ALS Kamustahan at Antulang
BY LENDY Q. DE LOS SANTOS ALS Kamustahan is an engagement of Mobile Teachers, EPS in ALS, and Focal Person wherein issues, concerns and updates in ALS are brought up. It is also a one way of developing camaraderie and good communication among the participants. Last April 30-May 2, 2019, the ALS in the Division of Silay City conducted its regular ALS Kamustahan held in Antulang, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. The said event was participated by the Mobile Teachers, Education Program Specialist II in ALS- Mr. Joebert S. Libo-on and Mrs. Remia T. Busel and Focal Person- Ms. Carmel Joy P. Aujero. The topics discussed in the Kamustahan were the RPMS-IPCRF as well as the different challenges, issues and concerns in the implementation of ALS programs in different CLC’s. the problems of Mobile Teachers regarding the IPCRF and in conducting sessions were addressed and the heads see to it that the KRA’s and the MOV’s in the IPCRF were aligned to ALS since the IPCRF was designed to the formal school system. The participants enjoyed the Kamustahan since the venue had a picturesque view of nature that made them relax in a short period of time. They also had a team-building activity where everyone enjoyed. ALS Kamustahan in general is very necessary in promoting and encouraging excellent outcomes in the different ALS programs and projects in the Division of Silay City.
ALS IN-SERVICE TRAINING
BY SHARON R. BALASAN
In-Service Training is conducted annually to address the continuing professional development of public school teachers. The training will be a culmination of each teacher’s skills and efforts towards creating better learning environment for the learners. It will also serve as an orientation for new teachers in order to familiarize them in their work environment and have an overview of the organizations’ expectations. Furthermore, the training will ensure that teachers will be equipped with strategies and methods whether it is in the area of classroom management, documentation, curricular activities and many more.
This End-Year In-service Training for ALS was held on May 29, 2019 at the Library Hub, Division of Silay City. Our ALS Coordinator, Ms. Carmel Joy P. Aujero gives us an overview about RPMS. She also discussed with us the conducting of FLT to the ALS learners and other forms to be accomplished by the learners as a source of their portfolio. Life Skills Training was also introduced and should be conducted to the learners after the Regional Training for Life Skills.
The result of the A&E Test was also given attention and that there is an increased in the result which makes Division of Silay proud of. This one day training gives us knowledge and developed our professional growth as teachers. We also become motivated to face the challenges in the field of teaching.
ALS LAUNCHINGS 2019
Sitio Binuluangan Launching
BY KAREN JAY G. ALVAREZ
The day was a bit cloudy and ALS learners were very excited and ready for the launching, it was August 06, 2019-the awaited day. When Deped personnel arrived at the CLC the program started immediately on time. The presence of ALS facilitators, EPS, and other visitors made the program a little extra special because they've extended their time and support for the launching of the ALS program in Sitio Binuluangan. Mam Carmel Joy P. Aujero gave her encouraging message for the learners and emphasized the importance of education that it was never too late to set another dream and pursue one's goal because there is ALS that is willing to help them. Mam Joy also urged the learners to make sure the ALS facilitors assigned in Sitio Binuluangan is also safe within their community.
The barangay captain Mr. Claro G. Denosta also share his inspirational journey while studying and urged the learners to finish their schooling in ALS because he is very willing to extend any support from the barangay to aid them. Though the weather became very bad the program ended successfully and everybody enjoyed the local foods prepared by the learners for all.
BASIC LIFE SKILLS TRAINING IN ALS BY MARY MAE O. MIJARES
Education is important, but education to support and live life better is more important. Due to the conflict in the Mindanao region of the Southern Philippines, Education Development Center (EDC) worked with the government of the Philippines and local partners to strengthen peace and stability in conflict – affected areas of Mindanao through the USAID – funded Mindanao Youth for Development (MyDev) Program. MyDev aims to actively engage out – of – school youth (OSY) in workforce and community development activities. Imparting life skills training will help youth overcome such difficulties in life, can cope with future challenges and survive well. Alternative Learning System Division of Silay City held the Division Training on Life Skills for ALS Implementers last July 8-9, 2019 at Library Hub Division of Silay City. The speaker of that event was our Education Program Supervisor, Miss Carmel Joy P. Aujero. The program started at exactly 8 am in the morning. All throughout the day, Ma’am Joy tackled all the nine modules especially on how to conduct each session. After the discussion, four ALS implementers where chosen to do a demonstration teaching to show how to deliver the lesson for the next day. On the second day, two ALS implementers do the demonstration teaching for modules 1 and 2; and another two ALS implementers for modules 3 and 4 in the afternoon. After the demonstration, they’re performance were evaluated and given feedback by our Education Program Specialist, Mr. Joebert S. Libo-on and Mrs. Remia T. Busel. The seminar was very fun and fruitful because we learned a lot especially on how to impart the life skills modules to the ALS learners.
MAPPING ALS LEARNERS FOR 2019 March - April BY ERIKA EUNICE A. CORENTIN
Alternative Learning System’s Advocacy and Social Mobilization (AdSocMob) is an initialization process for the implementers to build up the purposive objective of its curriculum in order for them to establish their stronghold relation to the community for the motive of improving their way of living through education. The objective of the program is to make education accessible to out of-school children, youth and adults and raise the level of literacy in the target areas.
Alternative Learning System (ALS) in the Schools Division of Silay City annually initiates mapping activity as part of ALS AdSocMob and gather data of Out-of-School children, youths and adults in every Barangay within Silay City. This activity aims to partner with Local Government Units, Barangay and other stakeholders in the community to address the increasing number of OSC, OSY and OSA and provide them a chance to finish their basic education through Alternative Learning System (ALS) Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Program.
This year’s mapping was conducted from March 19, 2019 until May 10, 2019. Through the leadership of Ms.Carmel Joy P.Aujero, EPS I-LRMDS/ Division ALS Focal Person, along with Mrs. Remia T. Busel and Mr. Joebert S. Libo-on, EPS II in ALS, implementers was divided into two (2) groups to ensure that all Barangays will be reached. Group A visited Barangay Guimbalaon, Bagtic, Brgy. V, IV, III, II,Brgy. Guinhalaran, and Mambulac. Meanwhile Group B visited Brgy. Patag, Kap. Ramon, E. Lopez, Hawaiian, Rizal, Lantad, Balaring and Brgy. I. The activity started with a courtesy call in each Barangay unit to give respect and seek assistance from each Punong Brgy.
ALS implementers was excited and enthusiastic in talking to locals in each community. As part of the AdSocMob, implementers prepared leaflets and “tarp papels” pasted in the vicinity so everyone in the community understands the objectives of the activity and it also contains information such as whom to contact when interested to enrol in ALS. It was indeed a successful and fulfilling activity! ALS implementers look forward to the next adventure where connecting to community gives meaning to ALS purpose of existence!
ALS BRIGADA ESKWELA 2019 BY PAULO I. GABALES
Brigada Eskwela or the National Schools Maintenance Week is a nationwide initiative by the Department of Education (DepEd) that mobilizes thousands of parents, alumni, civic groups, local businesses, non-government organizations, teachers, students, and individuals who volunteer their time and skills to do repairs, maintenance work, and clean-up of public elementary and secondary schools. This year’s Brigada Eskwela was one of the most memorable events because SDO Silay City hosted the2019 Brigada Eskwela Regional Kick-Off. Delegates coming from different divisions in Region VI gathered in DMLMHS – Main to witness the said activity. After the opening program, everybody started the main purpose of the said activity – to work hand in hand for the preparation of Elementary and Secondary schools. Last May 20 to 25, 2019, Alternative Learning System of Schools Division of Silay City joined the Brigada Eskwela 2019 with the theme “Matatag na Bayan para sa Maunlad na Paaralan.” ALS Implementers took their part on the said activity. They joined the said program together with their ALS Learners and at the same time they conducted ALS Advocacy and Socialization and Mobilization. They took the opportunity to enrol potential ALS Learners. Every ALS Facilitator prepared their respective Community Learning Centers (CLC’s) for the opening of classes. They also took part in cleaning the eSkwela Center and the ALS Office.
ALS GRADUATIONS 2019
ALS BJMP Graduation of Batch 2018 BY JEZREEL KIM ALIMON The Alternative Learning System held their graduation at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Silay City on June 21, 2019. The 52 graduates were able to pass their Accreditation and Equivalency Test after 10 months of attending ALS classes under their mobile teachers. This has always been an important milestone for the inmates as it enables them to keep their hopes up and further their basic education. When the time of their freedom comes, they will be productive members of the society as they have been provided with basic knowledge trainings for life skills while serving their time.
A & E ALS Graduation of Batch 2018 BY JACQUELINE ARTAJO Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm; this was the quote that we instill in the minds of our learners for them not to lose hope in accomplishing what they have started. And today marks a very momentous event as we celebrate the academic achievement of our learners. As they make their way to the stage to reap the fruit of their hard work and determination by receiving their diplomas, we as their ALS facilitators are filled with gladness seeing them gradually fulfilling their dreams. Everyone waited and prepared for this special occasion, the 2018 ALS Graduation Day which was held at Silay city Gym last June 28, 2019. A total of 490 graduates, were 14 are elementary level and 476 are secondary level. The event was graced by our special guests headed by Mrs. Zenia V. Billones, District I Supervisor and our guest speaker Mr. Noli Benecio who gave inspiration from his experiences in life and attainments after passing the A & E Test during his time as a learner. This occasion serves as the ending of one chapter but it marks as the starting point of another journey that they will take for a better future.
ALS Literacy Day 2019 BY KAREN JAY G. ALVAREZ The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience according to Eleanor Roosevelt. This said, the Alternative Learning System of DepEd Silay held its annual literacy day. This activity was for the ALS learners to showcase their talents, enjoy sports, and build camaraderie. The event was held at Silay city Gym, September 27 and the registration started at 7am. Learners from all over Silay came and were seated to their designated district according to the district of their facilitator. Everyone was excited to start the program. The opening salvo was Zumba party. Everyone was encouraged to dance and enjoy the Zumba. After the Zumba, one of the main awaited event was served to the excited spectators—Ms. ALS 2019.! There were 15 candidates from different ALS facilitators that showcase their talents and beauty. The candidates show off their stunning beauty and charm during the production, flaunted their sexiness and curves during sportswear attire, and display their glamorous gowns during gown competition. Everyone gave their best and the top 5 was selected among the rest. Among the top 5, Ms. ALS was selected and everyone was happy with the result. The pageant ended kind of late but everyone was patient with the delays of the program, and so everybody enjoyed their lunch while celebrating. The afternoon program was full of fun and excitement. The program started at exactly 1:30 pm. There were parlor games for the learners to enjoy and participate. Everyone cheered for their district to win. There were 4 games that were played; tug of war, sack race, eggplant relay, and balloon popping. The learners really enjoyed the games and some even made new friends from different CLCs. After the parlor games, volleyball men followed which was won by district II and District III. There was also a vocal solo contest which was participated by 15 contestants who underwent audition and screening. There was a PWD contestant who broke the barrier of being a PWD and she stood proudly to represent her district. The winner was the learner of Mr. Jonathan Tiolo. The vocal solo was followed by the pop dance competition which was participated by 4 groups. The winner was from barangay Mambulac. The last event was the grand Bingo, there were lots of prizes that were given. Aside from that, there was a raffle so that all learners may have an equal chance to receive a prize. Overall the program was a success because of the collective efforts of everybody in the ALS family and the private sponsors and government officials who willingly supported the said program. To God be the glory!
ALS BJMP GIFT GIVING 2019
The time for Christmas has always been a season of love, hope, and thankfulness. Together with the Alternative Learning System and the officers of the Silay City District jail, the ALS students inside were able to have fun and have their yearly gift giving activity last December 30, 2019. Headed by Ms. Carmel Joy P. Aujero, the ALS Coordinator, together with Mrs. Remia T. Busel, EPS II, and the ever supportive PSDS of district I, Ms. Zenia Billones. They were accompanied by the ALS mobile teachers to extend their blessings to our brothers and sisters in the BJMP community. The program was held inside the vicinity and was wonderfully decorated by the inmates which was attended by sixty (60) ALS learners.
They were welcomed by Ms. Carmel Joy P. Aujero; and Mrs. Remia T. Busel delivered her heartfelt message to the learners and discussed the ALS program and the upcoming Accreditation and Equivalency Test this 2020.
The ALS learners then gave a welcoming dance performance and gave their message of appreciation to the ALS teachers and the . After their presentation, they were given their gifts which included basic daily needs like soap, toothpaste, and shampoo. They then proceeded to have their snacks and had fellowship with the fellow ALS teachers. This activity would not have been possible without the support of everyone in the BJMP community and the Schools Division Office of Silay City as well. Indeed, the seasons bring forth the spirit of joy and love to which we must share our blessings to everyone.