Ilocos norte: A total of 464 learners graduated from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in Ilocos Norte on Thursday, marking another milestone in the province's efforts to provide second-chance education for out-of-school youth and adults.
According to Philippines News Agency, the graduates completed either the elementary or secondary level through the Department of Education's ALS program, which offers flexible learning opportunities for individuals who were unable to finish formal basic education due to financial constraints, work, family responsibilities, or other circumstances.
During the graduation rites hosted by the municipal government of Dingras, Ilocos Norte, Schools Division Superintendent Donato Balderas Jr. commended the completers for their resilience and perseverance, and encouraged them to continue their educational journey, whether by pursuing higher education, technical-vocational training, or employment.
In her message, Dingras Mayor Joemelle Ernesti Saguid-Go Sy said, "ALS is proof that education has no age limit and it has no deadline." She expressed commitment to support programs such as this to open up more opportunities for learning and uplift quality of life. "This milestone is not just an achievement for the graduates/completers, but also for the prime movers of the ALS," she added.
Through the years, the ALS program in the province continues to serve vulnerable and marginalized learners through flexible, community-based instruction. It enables participants to earn qualifications equivalent to formal elementary and junior high school education, opening pathways to college, skills training, and better employment opportunities for Ilocanos.
A 36-year-old Romelyn Andres, one of the completers of Junior High School at the Cabulalaan Community Learning Center, said she is thankful to God for the opportunity to finally receive her high school diploma. "Age is not a hindrance to education, and you can keep it for life," Andres said as she proudly shared her graduation photo and high school diploma on her Facebook account on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte has expanded its scholarship program to enable more deserving students to pursue higher education and develop skills for future employment. To date, the provincial government supports around 2,000 provincial scholars with over PHP63 million in funding this year. The investment in education is expected to increase as the expanded program supports students enrolled in degree programs as well as technical-vocational courses, helping reduce the financial burden on families while encouraging more young people to complete their education.
Amendments to the Ilocos Norte Scholarship Program are also underway to further expand access to educational support across the province. The proposed enhancements include additional scholarship slots and the inclusion of priority courses such as Psychology, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine, aimed at broadening opportunities for students pursuing specialized and in-demand professions.
The expanded scholarship program has been approved with additional funding by Governor Araneta-Marcos, reinforcing the provincial government's commitment to strengthening access to higher education and developing a skilled workforce.
