CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Some 1,519 Kapampangans received their individual certificate of recognition through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) implemented by the Department of Education with the support of the provincial government of Pampanga led by Gov. Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda during the “Galal Para Kareng ALS Passers” held at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center yesterday.
According to Ruel Bondoc, Education Program Specialist (EPS)-ALS, 15 of the graduates passed the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test for the Elementary Level while 1,504 passed the ALS-A&E Test for Secondary Level.
Out of the 1,519 graduates, 1,157 are regular ALS passers, 12 are from the Pampanga Provincial Jail, 24 from Guagua District Jail, 51 from Central Luzon Drug Rehabilitation Center, 18 from the Regional Rehabilitation Center and 257 are walk-in.
Bondoc said the passers represent 56 percent of the 2,395 who took the A&E Test.
Vice Governor Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda said the provincial government will be giving educational assistance to ALS passers who plan to pursue college.
According to Provincial Librarian Bessie Makabali, Ordinance 484 allows the provincial government to allot educational assistance to ALS passers and needy but deserving students.
Records from the Provincial Library show that 154 ALS passers who pursued college education are currently receiving educational assistance.
During the event, Vice Gov. Pineda also recognized the 28 mobile teachers, 28 district ALS coordinators and 35 facilitators for their efforts in teaching their students.
Gov. Pineda, for her part, said employment opportunities await the graduates since they now have their high school diplomas.
The lady governor also reminded the graduates to stay away from illegal drugs and focus on their future.
“You are on your way to a brighter future. Do not get involved in illegal drugs,” the governor added.
Among those present during the event were board members Pol Balingit and Cherry Manalo, DEPED Regional Director Malcolm Garma, OIC-Schools Division Superintendent Leonardo Zapanta, and capitol department heads.
