Aiming to strengthen the flexible learning pathways for out-of-school children, youth, and adults by aligning it to the formal curriculum.
The Department of Education has launched the expanded Alternative Learning System (ALS), which Secretary Sonny Angara noted being anchored in the “inclusive growth” agenda of the administration.
Under DepEd Order No. 1, s. 2026, the policy aligns the ALS competencies with the formal K-12 curriculum, as well as formally recognizes the flexible learning modalities and recognition of prior learning, and the introduction of micro-certification.
According to the policy, the progress of learners will be based on the demonstrated mastery of competencies, not on their ages and length of participation in the program.
Individual learning agreements and portfolio-based assessments will also gauge the progress, which will allow learners to enter school, stop, and return depending on their situation.
The equivalent pathways inside ALS, such as Basic Literacy, Accreditation and Equivalency in elementary and junior high school levels, and senior high school offerings were also clarified.
Through which, ALS completers can return to formal schooling, get technical-vocational certification, or be employed based on their own goals and competencies.
The expanded ALS framework also recognizes the role of local governments, universities and colleges, non-government organizations, and private entities in the program’s implementation.
These responsibilities include the community learning centers and access to facilities, learning resources, and specialized instruction using existing coordination mechanisms, according to the Department.
The capacity-building programs for ALS teachers at implementers, like training under the revised curriculum, learner assessment, and blended learning delivery were also in the said order.
Beginnimg School Year 2026–2027, all schools division offices (SDOs) are required to implement the revised ALS curriculum for Basic Literacy and Accreditation and Equivalency programs, while a separate policy for the ALS senior high school track will be issued at a later date.
