THE DEPARTMENT of Education has produced the first batch of Senior High School graduates of the Alternative Learning System program in the country.

There were 62 graduates from the pilot schools Ligao City National High School, Nursery High School, Federico A. Estipona Memorial High School and Tabaco National High School.

“Today, we celebrate not just any graduation but the graduation of the first batch of Alternative Learning System Senior High School under the new ALS K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum. For many out-of-school youth and adults, ALS Senior High School is the completion of non-formal education. For DepEd, it is the fulfillment of its major priority,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

The Deped chief underscored the exceptional circumstances that the ALS SHS graduates had to face before and during the pandemic as well as their perseverance.

She likewise commended DepEd Region V for stepping up to the challenge of piloting ALS SHS.

With the theme “Sa ALS 2.0, Kalidad ng Edukasyon lalong Patatagin sa Gitna ng Pandemya,” DepEd Region V completed its pilot implementation of the ALS SHS, which started in 2019, amid the many disruptions and unique challenges posed by the pandemic.

“I wish to extend my thanks for not giving up on your schooling, for not losing hope amid the chaos. As pioneer graduates of this hybrid and enhanced ALS curriculum, you have raised the bar of the Alternative Learning System. History will remember you that you are brave, courageous, and determined graduates under a unique and difficult new normal,” DepEd Region V Dir. Gilbert Sadsad said.

Briones delivered her message to the graduates virtually but expressed her sincere desire “to shake the hands and perhaps hug those who have done so well.”

ALS is part of DepEd’s commitment that education continues for Filipino out-of-school children in special circumstances, youth, and adults amid and beyond the Covid19 pandemic.