Synthesis

Alternative Learning System is a program established by the government to provide an

alternative form of learning for students who wanted to complete basic education. This program

targets to lower the high rate of out of school youth and adults. The main objective of ALS

program is to be able to provide an education that help those Filipinos, especially from the

marginalized sector, to attain a good educational background that could help boost their

employment after graduation.

But because of globalization, which has been a large player in the global economy, job

seekers are now required to manifest the eight 21stst century skills namely: critical thinking,

collaboration, communication, creativity and innovation, self-direction, global connections, local

connections, and technological skills.

However, a study shows that students of the ALS program still have to undergo a lot of

processes in order to possess these skills. The study claims that Filipino ALS students are not yet

prepared in the global competition. Although the government are implementing programs that

could address these lapses, they still need to ensure that students are not provided with just

knowledge but are also trained with skills that modify their rational understanding.

On the other hand, studies conducted in Cavite and Cebu states that ALS program was

effectively implemented. The program was able to improve the quality of life of its graduates in

terms of skill acquisitions. ALS program enabled the students to widen their employment

success. Another study conducted by the West Visayas State University claims that ALS

program was able to improve the intellectual capacity of students from an ethnic group in the

City of Iloilo.
 Despite that, there are still several studies that argue with regards to the effectiveness of

ALS program. According to the World Bank, one of the determinants that evaluates its

effectiveness is the passing rate of ALS students. In which, Filipino ALS students obtained low

passing rates which reflected their poor performance. Insufficient funds are also one of the

factors that cause it inefficiency.

There is no doubt that Alternative Learning System program is beneficial for Filipinos

who desire to graduate and find a stable job. It creates an opportunity for them to have a second

chance in chasing their dreams. But due to poor curriculum design, the trajectory of ALS

program is slowly becoming a failure. A deliberate revision must be implemented by the

government in order for the ALS program to be more effective and to encourage more Filipino

dropped outs to finish education.