Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez on Sunday welcomed the approval on second reading of the so-called “malasakit” (compassionate) Alternative Learning System Act that would further make education accessible to out-of-school youth and persons with disabilities.
“This is to provide a viable leaning alternative to the formal education system in addressing all learning needs of the marginalized learners,” said Romualdez, author of House Bill No. 3706 which forms part of the consolidated measure.
The measure would “help institutionalize an alternative learning system for indigent adults, out-of-school youth, indigenous people, persons with disabilities and special needs and even senior citizens,” she added.
Once enacted into law, a mobile teacher program will be set up, especially in far-flung, unserved, underserved, and conflict-affected communities.
The alternative learning system is a parallel learning system for learners who, for acceptable reasons to be determined by the Department of Education, cannot be admitted to the existing formal basic education.