April 17, 2024

The Department of Education, in partnership with Unesco Jakarta and Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) Philippines unveiled the new K to 12-aligned modules for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program.

The modules aim to address the need to develop 21st century skills among its target learners – Filipino out-of-school youth and adults – and bridging the gap in updated learning resources for the program.

“In keeping with DepEd’s commitment to strengthen and intensify ALS, these new modules intend to aid the teaching and learning of 21st century skills that modules of the old ALS curriculum lack. This is another milestone not just for the Department but for our stakeholders as well,” Sec. Leonor Briones said.

From 2019 to 2021, DepEd, through its Bureau of Alternative Education and Bureau of Learning Resources, collaborated with Unesco Jakarta, Koica Philippines, and Asia Pacific College in the development and design of the new modules that cover the six learning strands under the enhanced ALS K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum: Communication Skills for English and Filipino, Scientific and Critical Thinking Skills, Mathematical and Problem Solving Skills, Life and Career Skills, Understanding the Self and Society, and Digital Literacy, which have been taught in the past years without the appropriate learning resources.

“We appreciate the support of Koica and Unesco Jakarta in this component of ALS. While the existing modules in the community learning centers can still be used, we will be most happy to see them acquire 21st century skills with updated learning resources, which will equip them when they pursue employment, or continue their education or training,” ALS Assistant Sec. G.H. Ambat said.

Dr. Mee Young Choi, Unesco Jakarta Education Unit Head, said, “These newly developed modules do not only directly help a large number of target beneficiaries, but also serve as a concrete product of DepEd, Koica, and Unesco’s collaboration, especially in compliance with Republic Act 11510 or the ALS Act.”

Koica Philippines Country Director Kim Eunsub encouraged continuous efforts for the project toward realizing education inclusivity. – Press release