In view of the mobility restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) has launched the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE LCP) and under it the Alternative Learning System (ALS) LCP, the goal of which is to sustain the gains “in the delivery of quality and relevant second chance basic education programs for out-of-school youth and adults while ensuring the health and safety of both learners and teachers during the COVID-19 emergency and in the transition to the new normal.”  

In line with the BE LCP,DepEd, UNICEF, and SEAMEO INNOTECH initiated the Technical Support to DepEd Alternative Learning System Program 2.0 (TS-ALS 2.0).   The J. Amado Araneta Foundation supported UNICEF in the ALSware component of TS-ALS 2.0.

The ALSware is a a set of resource materials curated specifically for use by ALS learners and teachers which will facilitate the effective delivery of ALS learning programs. It was developed with the goal of strengthening the program by providing increased access to learning modules, tools, and other relevant resources that ALS teachers need to effectively facilitate their lesson delivery, particularly the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Program for Junior High School Level.

The contents of the ALSware are curated to support the implementation of the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) for Junior High School Level program, categorized into the following items:

1. Learning modules in both print and non-print formats.

2. Instructional tools and equipment that can be used to support science, math, and information technology lesson delivery, among others.

3. Supplementary and advocacy materials, also in print and non-print formats. The advocacy materials promote proper sanitation and hygiene, as well as risk communication, to help curb the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Consumable materials to aid in the fight against the COVID-19 virus and support the daily functions of ALS teachers.

A complete inventory of the ALSware items can be found in Annexes 1 to 6 of the "Guidebook for using the ALSware" below (or click here).

The ALSware is being piloted in 30 ALS Community Learning Centers (CLCs) from remote and disadvantaged communities in Samar, Western Samar, Zamboanga del Norte, Angeles City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Zamboanga City. The ALSware packages were officially turned over to DepEd and the participating ALS CLCs in June 2021, with progress monitoring to be conducted during the early phase of implementation.