Manila, the Philippines - From March to June 2024, UNESCO successfully completed a series of national capacity-building training in Manila, the Philippines. These sessions were designed to enhance the use of Alternative Learning Systems modules throughout the country. The trainings aimed to equip educators with understanding on the use of learning resources and the necessary skills to more effectively teach and engage junior high school learners.  

The series of trainings were attended by approximately 300 participants including the regional directors and educational leaders from the 17 regions of the Philippines. The participants delved into ALS policies and programs implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd), the activities of UNESCO’s initiatives in the region, and practical applications of ALS session guides and learners’ modules. These learning resources were developed by UNESCO in collaboration with DepEd’s Bureau of Alternative Education. 

Assistant Secretary Janir T. Datukan emphasised the significance of these trainings in his opening remarks.

Besides providing the participants with the knowledge to utilise and deliver the content of the ALS modules, the trainings served as a platform for enhancing collaboration among ALS program coordinators at both national and regional levels.  

During the closing of the first batch of the training, Dr. Margarita C. Ballesteros, Director of External Partnership Services at DepEd highlighted the importance of ALS in the development of the Philippines. “ALS provides opportunities for those unable to pursue formal education, offering them a second chance to complete their study. This system is one of the solutions for providing education to all and ensuring that no one is left behind” she said. 

These training sessions were part of the “Better Life for Out-of-School Girls to Fight Against Poverty and Injustice in The Philippines” project, implemented since 2017. The trainings were supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) which envisioned to contribute to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in the Philippines, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education.