- 40 ALS teachers trained in Davao City under the US-backed 'Embracing Student-centered Learning' workshop to enhance creative teaching skills.
- First US-assisted ALS workshop in Davao, led by English specialists through the US State Department and RELO, promoting interactive, inclusive learning.
- US-DepEd partnership boosts teacher capacity, reaffirms joint commitment to quality education and access for out-of-school youth and adults in the Philippines.
Some 40 new teachers of the Department of Education's Alternative Learning System (ALS) recently received training in Davao City. ALS is an alternative learning system in the Philippines that offers basic education to out-of-school youth and adults who have no access to formal school because of socioeconomic or geographical constraints. Training was led by the US Embassy in the Philippines' Regional English Language Office (RELO) in partnership with DepEd-Davao City.
It was made possible through the assistance of two trainers from the US State Department's English Language Specialist Program, the first US government-assisted ALS workshop held in Davao City.
The workshop, titled 'Embracing Student-centered Learning: Art as Expression', equipped participants with the skills and knowledge to incorporate creative, experiential teaching into ALS courses so that learners become active learners in the process.
It covered teaching demonstrations, introduction to the development of sustainable and interactive teaching projects, and learning from peers.
The US trainers also provided access to free English teaching materials from the US government that will serve to improve curriculum planning and allow for interactive classroom activities.
Regional English Language Officer for the US Embassy Jeff McIlvenna stated "the insights and tips provided by the US teacher trainers are aimed at bringing the learning experience of ALS students closer to excellence".
"This program reiterates the United States' forward investment in the professional training of Filipino teachers, affirming our mutual commitment to increasing access to good education and unleashing human potential throughout the Philippines", McIlvenna added.
DepEd Davao City division superintendent Reynante Solitario indicated that DepEd ALS is a champion of inclusivity by reaching the lost, the least, and the last.
"Assisting ALS teachers is critical so that they could improve and make sure that all learners, no matter the situation, are supported and provided with an opportunity to succeed", Solitario mentioned.
The US Embassy's RELO is dedicated to assisting Philippine education through its English Language Specialist Program. Its past activities include an early literacy project for K-7 teachers in Negros Occidental.
"This enhanced the reading scores among pupils with rigorous teacher training and community volunteer assistance in 2024", the embassy added in a statement. In 2024, RELO had conducted an English proficiency training for the Philippine Army in Tarlac.
It also fosters long-term educational collaborations. Three American English Language Fellows are wrapping up their academic year at three universities in Bohol and Leyte, where they facilitated preservice training for aspiring teachers.
To offer deserving youth intensive English language training and cultural immersion to enhance their career and education opportunities, RELO is also setting up five two-year English Access Scholarship Programs throughout the Philippines, the embassy added.
