SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian is calling on the Department of Education to address gaps in the implementation of the Alternative Learning System Law to improve completion rates among learners.

This comes after the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) reported low enrollment and completion figures in the ALS program.

According to EDCOM II’s Year Two Report, ALS enrollment averages around 600,000 annually, but completion rates remain alarmingly low. The report revealed that in School Year 2023-2024, only 302,807 out of 655,517 enrolled learners completed the program. A 2021 UNICEF study identified financial difficulties, the need to work, and lack of interest as major factors contributing to dropout rates.

To address these challenges, Gatchalian is proposing a guidance and counseling program to encourage ALS learners to stay enrolled. He also stressed the importance of informing learners about the skills they can develop and the job opportunities available after completing the program.

“Mahalagang maunawaan ng ating mga mag-aaral sa ALS ang mga oportunidad na maaari nilang matanggap sa ilalim ng programa. Ang ALS ay nagbibigay ng pangalawang pagkakataon sa ating mga kababayan, at hindi natin ito dapat sayangin,” said Gatchalian, the author and sponsor of the ALS Law.

The ALS is a parallel learning system that provides an alternative pathway to formal education. Under the Alternative Learning System Act (Republic Act No. 11510), the ALS was institutionalized, strengthened, and expanded to offer greater opportunities for out-of-school children in special cases and adult learners, including indigenous peoples, to complete basic education.

Out-of-school children in special cases include learners with disabilities, children in conflict with the law, and those in emergency situations.