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Inclusion for Progression

by Jeanrie J. Lozada

In the wake of the pandemic's profound impact on academic performance, the Department of Education's (DepEd) has unveiled an ambitious plan to address the challenges facing the nation's basic education system. Through the newly introduced Alternative Learning System (ALS) program as well as Catch-Up Friday, these will serve as a comprehensive roadmap that will be implemented, aiming to navigate and rectify the myriad issues brought to light by recent disruptions.

One of the key benefits of ALS is its ability to reach marginalized and underserved populations, including individuals living in remote areas with limited access to formal education. According to the Department of Education in the Philippines, ALS has successfully enrolled over 1.5 million learners since its inception, highlighting the program's impact on increasing the literacy rate and promoting lifelong learning among Filipino citizens. Additionally, the Schools Division Office (SDO) representative, Mr. Michael O. Tamallana, expressed his unwavering support for the implementation of ALS during the mini press conference held at Cabatuan Comprehensive National High School (CCNHS) on March 16, 2024.

“This program is implemented for senior high school (SHS) informal students who cannot finish formal education because formal education is very demanding. SDO Iloilo, under the leadership of Dr. Ernesto F. Servillon Jr., caters to ALS learners to provide SHS education and to finish without sacrificing their work and family obligations,” remarked Mr. Tamallana, emphasizing the importance of upholding DepEd’s competencies. 

Furthermore, ALS has been instrumental in addressing the issue of poverty by equipping learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to secure better employment opportunities. Studies have shown that ALS graduates have higher chances of finding stable jobs and improving their socio-economic status, contributing to the overall development of the country.

Additionally, education is a crucial aspect of a nation's development, and ensuring that every student has access to quality education is essential. In the Philippines, one innovative approach that has been gaining traction is the implementation of Catch-Up Friday in schools. This initiative aims to provide students with additional support and resources to help them catch up on missed lessons and bridge any learning gaps they may have. Dr. Alma Janagap, a representative of the Public School District Supervisor (PSDS), also lent her expertise in the field of education, supporting Catch-Up Friday implementation together with Mr. Tamallana.

"Every Friday we have Catch-Up Fridays; it is intended to strengthen the foundation skills of learners in literacy and critical thinking skills. Every Friday our teachers find time to give various activities that the learners enjoy and to further develop their reading skills, especially those learners that are lagging behind," Dr. Janagap stated.

According to a recent study by the Department of Education in the Philippines, a significant number of students struggle to keep up with the demands of their classes due to various reasons, such as illness, family responsibilities, or a lack of access to educational resources. As a result, these students often fall behind their peers and face difficulties understanding complex concepts.

Amidst the uncertainties and differing viewpoints, let us not lose sight of the fundamental mission at hand: to provide every learner with the opportunity to thrive and succeed. In the pursuit of this noble goal, the ALS implementation and Catch-Up Friday agenda emerge as beacons of hope, offering the potential to reshape our educational landscape and usher in a brighter future for generations to come.

Certainly, these implemented programs have proven to be valuable initiatives in the field of education. In the pursuit of a more advanced future, let us emphasize that the true definition of societal progress is determined by our strong commitment to inclusivity. In embracing the ethos of education, we sow the seeds of a more equitable and just society, wherein every individual is afforded the opportunity to flourish. Let us seize this momentous juncture to develop a more lucid future for all Filipinos, wherein advancement is not merely an aspirational ideal but a tangible reality.