ILOILO — A total of 137 Alternative Learning System learners from Iloilo's Fourth District celebrated their graduation and completion during the district's Graduation and Recognition Program at Tamasak Arena in Barotac Nuevo. The ceremony honored out-of-school youth and adults who pursued education through non-formal pathways.
A Celebration of Second Chances
The event gathered DepEd Region VI Regional Director Dr. Cristito A. Eco, CESO III, Board Members Rolly Distura and Dominic Paul Oso, DepEd officials, local leaders, teachers, and families. Their presence underscored the collective commitment to inclusive education that leaves no learner behind.
Officials recognized not only the graduates but also the families who made sacrifices and remained their constant support. The ceremony emphasized that there are many roads to education, and what matters is the determination to keep moving forward. The graduates may have started late, but they did not give up.
Breaking Barriers Through Non-Formal Education
The Alternative Learning System offers a practical, free alternative to formal instruction for out-of-school youth and adults. It provides flexible, modular, and community-based learning options that allow students to study at their own pace. This approach addresses economic and geographical barriers that often prevent learners from attending traditional schools.
The program serves diverse sectors across Iloilo's municipalities, including agricultural workers, parents, and young adults. Many learners balance their studies with work and family responsibilities, demonstrating extraordinary perseverance. The ALS program ensures that education remains within reach for everyone.
Pathways to College, Training, and Employment
Graduates earn official elementary or high school diplomas through Accreditation and Equivalency assessments or portfolio evaluations. These credentials open doors to college enrollment, technical-vocational training, and formal employment opportunities. The equivalency diploma carries the same weight as traditional education credentials.
For Iloilo's growing economy, ALS graduates represent an expanded skilled workforce ready to contribute. Their completion of basic education strengthens their earning potential and helps break generational cycles of poverty within their families. Every diploma earned represents a step toward a more prosperous future.
Sustained Government Support
The Iloilo Provincial Government and Fourth Congressional District leadership, led by Congressman Ferjenel Biron, reaffirmed their commitment to expanding educational opportunities. They pledged continued support for programs that empower Ilonggos through accessible and inclusive learning.
This investment in human capital development ensures that economic growth benefits all citizens. ALS graduates from Barotac Nuevo, Anilao, and other municipalities can now pursue higher education or vocational skills training. The government's support transforms individual lives and strengthens the entire community.
A Future of Opportunity
The celebration concluded with messages of encouragement for the graduates as they embark on their next chapter. Officials reminded them that their journey does not end with graduation but marks the beginning of new possibilities. With their diplomas in hand, they are equipped to pursue their dreams.
The ALS program continues to serve as a lifeline for those who could not complete formal schooling earlier in life. As more learners graduate each year, Iloilo moves closer to becoming a province where education is truly accessible to all.
