In a landmark move to uplift the quality of education for marginalized and non-traditional learners, the Board of Regents of the Philippine Normal University (PNU) officially approved, on July 2, 2025, the offering of the Diploma in Alternative Learning System (ALS).

The new diploma program aims to professionalize and empower ALS teachers, implementers, and facilitators by equipping them with advanced pedagogical knowledge, leadership competencies, and context-responsive strategies tailored to the needs of diverse and underserved learners. It is specifically designed for graduates of any baccalaureate degree who aspire to serve the learning needs of out-of-school youth and adults by becoming ALS learning facilitators, instructional managers at both the elementary and secondary levels, and community-based educators who champion non-formal and informal learning delivery.

The program also serves as a response to the mandates of Republic Act No. 11510, otherwise known as the Alternative Learning System Act, which requires comprehensive capacity-building and professional development for ALS implementers.

The Diploma in Alternative Learning System (ALS) will be implemented starting Academic Year 2025–2026 and will be housed under the College of Alternative and Lifelong Learning. It offers a rigorous yet flexible post-baccalaureate curriculum developed by experts in inclusive and non-formal education.

Meanwhile, the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy was also given the green light by the highest governing board of the university. This progressive policy outlines a formal mechanism by which students, whether enrolled in regular or diploma programs, including ALS, may have up to 30% of the total academic units of their program credited based on prior relevant learning and professional experience. The RPL process involves a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s previously acquired knowledge, skills, and competencies, which may have been gained through non-formal education, workplace training, community involvement, or independent study.

These developments reinforce PNU’s role as a transformative institution committed to educational equity and lifelong learning.

—

ALS Classroom photo source: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/philippines/publication/the-philippines-alternative-learning-system-a-second-chance-to-develop-the-human-capital-of-out-of-school-youth-and-adults