Alternative learning system gets boost from dedicated educators and benefactors

CEBU CITY – Just like many other school teachers, Marvin Macalalad has to get out of bed before the sun rises to continue his mission of bringing literacy and basic education to his students.

The only difference is that, before he reaches his school in Catbalogan, Samar, Macalalad has to pass through slum areas, trek on rough and muddy roads and brave mountainous areas.

“I do this everyday just to bring basic education to the marginalized sector of our far-flung community,” he said.

Macalalad, a teacher for the last 17 years, spent the last five years as an Alternative Learning System (ALS) coordinator.

Since its establishment, the ALS program of the Department of Education (DepEd) has opened numerous opportunities for Filipino students, out-of-school youth and other members of the community who have limited or no access to attend and finish formal basic education.

He said the inspiration he draws from his grateful students is what drives him to go the extra mile.

“Knowing that they can pass the national examination, graduate and receive their diplomas, so they can proceed to college or find better opportunities is already a rewarding experience for me,” he said, noting that the successes of his students are his success and accomplishments, too.

But in the midst of rapid technological advancements, educators like Marvin likewise need further support, particularly in terms of tools of modern tools to keep in step with the changing needs of education.

To help uplift the quality of the teaching-learning process, City Savings Bank (CitySavings) recently reached out by donating 115 notebook computers and 108 LCD projectors to different DepEd divisions nationwide.

In a project dubbed as the “Alternative Learning System Advocacy,” at least 1, 929 ALS teachers have benefitted from the project this year.

“We coordinated closely with DepEd on areas they would want to prioritize as far as ALS is concerned... The donation was done per division. For this year, we gave a total of 42 divisions nationwide,” CitySavings Reputation Management Head Paula Ruelan told the Manila Bulletin.

The recipients include divisions of Cagayan, Northern Samar, Iloilo and Isabela, among others.

CitySavings has spent for the project this year.

In 2016, 933 mobile teachers from different parts of the country were given the same educational tools.

Ruelan said “we will continue our support for the ALS teachers next year in coordination with DepEd.” R4.5 million