The Research and Publication Office (RPO) from the University of Batangas (UB) have released a new study calling for significant enhancements to the nation’s Alternative Learning System (ALS), primarily urging a shift toward practical, job-oriented skills and a major increase in program resources.
The study, originating from the university’s Research and Publications Office (RPO), directly supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). It provides a critical needs assessment based on a survey of 136 local ALS learners, composed mostly of out-of-school youth and adults.
According to the UB researchers, learners are most interested in pre-employment training, such as resume and application letter writing. Other high-priority areas identified include personality development, career planning, eCommerce, and substance abuse prevention—all skills directly linked to employability and quality of life.
The research paper, “Optimizing Lifelong Learning Opportunity for the Out-of-School Youth and Adults,” was published in the 2024 International Journal on Studies in Education. The study was authored by a team from the University of Batangas, including Dr. Romell A. Ramos, Director of the RPO, alongside Maricia E. Como, Darlene Virginie D. Fruelda, and Fe M. Fallurin.
The UB study found that while the ALS program is aligned with its goals, its implementation is only “moderately” successful. The primary obstacles identified by the researchers include a lack of sufficient materials, “inadequate monitoring and evaluation,” and “limited opportunities” for learners to apply their skills in practical settings.
Based on these findings, the University of Batangas team proposed several new non-formal education projects, including “ALS Angat sa Trabaho,” a pre-employment workshop, and a “Personality Development Training” program.
The study concludes that for the ALS program to truly empower its learners, a “firm commitment from all stakeholders” is essential. The University of Batangas researchers strongly recommend strengthening partnerships between the Department of Education and other agencies like TESDA, DOLE, and DTI to create more sustainable and effective programs.