TiES Spearheads Community Literacy Mapping for Out-of-School Learners
BALIWAG, Bulacan – In a significant stride towards universalizing basic education, the City of Baliwag, Bulacan, successfully concluded its Alternative Learning System (ALS) Community Literacy Mapping for School Year 2025-2026. Held from May 16 to June 15, 2025, the month-long initiative aimed to identify and enroll out-of-school children, youth, and adults, ensuring no learner is left behind.
The comprehensive mapping activity, conducted daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. across various areas in Barangay Tiaong, was a direct response to Division Memorandum No. 191 s. 2024. Its primary objectives were threefold:
To accurately determine the number of Out-of-School Children (OSC) and Out-of-School Youths and Adults (OSYAs) who are in need of basic education and literacy programs.
To geographically locate these target ALS learners and facilitate their enrollment into the program for the upcoming School Year 2025-2026.
To compile a comprehensive master list of all identified learners, complete with essential information for effective tracking and future home visitation.
The success of this crucial undertaking was a testament to strong community collaboration. Key participants included dedicated ALS Teachers, the School Head, the Barangay Councilor for Education, and invaluable Mother Leaders, all working hand-in-hand to reach every corner of the community.
Way Forward: A Centralized Digital Approach
Building on the successes and insights gained, the Division Office is set to prioritize the development and implementation of a centralized digital database for ALS target learners. This innovative step will enable real-time tracking, monitoring, and reporting, significantly enhancing the efficiency of enrollment and follow-up processes.
Furthermore, continuous professional development and training programs will be conducted for ALS teachers and barangay officials. These trainings will focus on refining their skills in data collection, community engagement, and effective educational outreach.
By taking these proactive measures, DepEd aims to effectively meet the objectives of the MATATAG Agenda and achieve the universalization of Basic Education, ensuring quality education is accessible to all members of the community.
Community Engagement: A Cornerstone of Success
A significant lesson learned from this division-wide activity was the indispensable role of community involvement. The active participation of barangay officials proved critical in enhancing the accuracy and comprehensiveness of data collection. Their intimate knowledge of the local landscape ensured that no potential out-of-school learner was overlooked, reinforcing the commitment to inclusive education.
"The collaborative efforts have not only yielded vital data but also fostered stronger relationships between our educational institutions and the local communities," stated a representative from the school. "This synergy is absolutely essential for the sustainable implementation of our ALS programs."