ALS gains ground as more learners graduate, land jobs through gov’t programs

Recent data showing a rise in graduates and immediate job placements as more out-of-school youth and adults are turning to the Alternative Learning System (ALS), a government initiative to bridge the long-standing gap between missed education and employment.

According to the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), at least 1,488 graduating senior high school and ALS learners were hired on the spot during the rollout of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) this April.

The data contributes to the 300 learners hired in earlier pilot runs in Metro Manila, Sorsogon, Cebu and Davao del Norte, signaling a growing demand for ALS completers in the workforce.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the initiative reduces barriers for jobseekers transitioning from school to work.

“By eliminating the high costs of pre-employment requirements, we empower our graduates to focus on building their careers immediately,” he said.

DepEd noted that while consolidated national figures for ALS graduates are still being updated, recent successes indicate an upward trend in both participation and completion.

The agency is now urging more out-of-school youth and adults to enroll for School Year 2026–2027, as it strengthens ALS as a pathway not only to education but also to employment.

“Their success proves that with the right intervention and support, every Filipino can overcome any challenge in their studies toward achieving a brighter future,” Angara said.

ALS is a government program designed for Filipinos who cannot pursue formal schooling due to poverty, illness, or other life disruptions, offering a flexible system that leads to elementary or secondary certification.

Beyond job placements, nearly 6,000 ALS and senior high school learners also received free pre-employment documents during the BPSF rollout, easing the usual financial burden of job applications.