Bureau of Alternative Education to Expand Program for Out-of-School Filipinos

The Department of Education (DepEd) has established the Bureau of Alternative Education (BAE) in a bid to strengthen the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program and expand the opportunities for out-of-school Filipinos.

Its establishment is in compliance with Republic Act No. 11510, also known as the Alternative Learning System Act.

The Bureau of Alternative Education will serve as the focal office for implementing DepEd's ALS Program to increase the opportunities for out-of-school children in special cases, youth, and adult learners, including indigenous peoples, persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), and persons with disabilities (PWDs), according to DepEd on Dec. 7.

“This will strengthen our initiatives, programs, and policies for the out-of-school children in special cases, youth, and adults as we ensure their educational continuity for them to be able to develop basic and functional literacy, life skills, and pursue an equivalent pathway to complete basic education,” said Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones.

It has been reported that the enrollment for the ALS Program this school year is at 239,616, which is 359,749 or 60% lower than last school year's 599,365 enrollment. DepEd said then it is doubling its efforts to bring this number up.