THE DEPARTMENT of Education on Tuesday said that the signing by President Rodrigo Duterte of the Alternative Learning System Law means that no student will be left behind.

“The timely passage of the Alternative Learning System Act reaffirms DepEd’s commitment to ensuring that no learner will be left behind, even amid a pandemic,” the department said.

“It likewise underscores the country’s trust in the potential of young and adult Filipinos who have been out of the formal school system to be able to live gainfully and contribute effectively to their community and the country,” it added.

The new law, Republic Act 11510, institutionalized the Alternative Learning System in Basic Education.

It shall provide support to ensure that more out-of-school youth and adults will have access to quality basic education.

The law also expands partnerships between DepEd and local government units, other government agencies, private sector, and non-government organizations.

Meanwhile, the ALS Teacher Program shall be strengthened through pre-service and in-service training.

The ALS program allows out-of-school youth to continue learning in a manner, time and place suitable to their preference and circumstances.

“Through the ALS Act, and the strong support of stakeholders, the ALS will be truly a second chance education program that is not second-class,” the DepEd said.