THE 2025 national budget ensures continued funding for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and the provision of learning resources for learners with disabilities, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Tuesday.

Under the recently signed General Appropriations Act, P634.083 million has been allocated for Flexible Learning Options to support the implementation of ALS programs.

This allocation includes funding for ALS learning resources, as well as transportation and teaching allowances for ALS teachers and Department of Education-engaged Community ALS Implementers.

Gatchalian had initially proposed P632.5 million for ALS.

ALS is a parallel learning system that offers an alternative to the traditional formal education system.

Under the Alternative Learning System Act, which Gatchalian authored and sponsored, ALS was institutionalized, strengthened, and expanded to provide increased opportunities for out-of-school children, adults, and marginalized groups— including indigenous peoples— to develop basic literacy, functional skills, and life skills.

Meanwhile, P100 million has been allocated under Textbooks and Other Instructional Materials for learners with disabilities, both in the formal school system and in ALS.

This funding supports multiple platforms, including electronic and online delivery methods, as well as personal safety lessons for learners with disabilities.

Gatchalian emphasized that the provision of learning resources for learners with disabilities aligns with Republic Act No. 11650 or the ‘Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act,’ which he also co-authored and sponsored.

The law mandates inclusion in all public and private early and basic education schools, ensuring that learners with disabilities have equitable access to quality education and prohibiting the denial of admission based on disability.

“Tiniyak natin na sa ilalim ng 2025 national budget, hindi mapag-iiwanan ang ating mga mag-aaral at guro sa ALS, pati na rin ang mga mag-aaral na may kapansanan. Mahalaga ang mga programang nagtataguyod ng kanilang kapakanan at nagbibigay ng oportunidad para sa abot-kayang at dekalidad na edukasyon, kaya naman sinigurado natin na may sapat na pondong nakalaan para sa pagpapatupad ng mga programang ito,” said Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.