SENATE 
EXP %Ah!ATO RY N 8 T  E 
Alternative Learning System (ALS) is neither a new concept nor a phenornenon 
since it is the primary goal of the Education For All Program. 
The ALS 
institutionalization is consistent with the deciared policy oi 2qublic Ac: 9i55, ~i:lefi~Yise 
known as the Governance 0: Basic Education Act of 2001 where the State is rnandaled, 
among others, to "promote, the right of all citizens to quality basic educ3:ioi-i and to 
make such education accessible to a!l by providing all Filipino children a free 
compulsory education in the elementary level and free education in tile high school 
level" with central emphasis of including "alternative learning education system for out- 
of-school youth and adult learners." 
The advent or ALS offers a new dinension and a paradigm shift for non-formal 
education that will ultimately address and satisfy the legal requirements of Kephiic Act 
9155. ALS is an independent complete learning system as it addresses ilie variws 
learning styyles and needs of I?xners. Learners are given full Giscretion 0: the kind and 
method of learning they wish to have, including the use of information techrrolcgy. A 
system and mode of certification andlor accreditation will be put in place to enhance 
employability of those who @ into it. 
The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought 
MA 


SENATE 
A% ACT IN\ISTITUT!QP!A\ilZEFSG TEE 2UREAad DF ALTER?$ATIVE L5,PiC,I\I;;iG 
SYSTEM (BALS) 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of tlie Pliilippiiies ii7 
Congress assembled. 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "A!ternative Learning SysLern 
Act." 
SEC. 2. Declaration 0: Policy. - It is policy of the Skte to encourage non-fo:nia!, 
informal and indigenous learning system, as well as self-learning, independent, and out 
of-school study programs particularly those that respond to community needs. The 
State shall also provide adult citizens, the disabled and out-of-school youth with training 
in civics, vocational efficiency, and other skills. 
SEC. 3. Definition. - For the purpose of this Act, the terms and ph~ases shdl 
mean as lollows: 
a) AI'Lernative Learning System (ALS) shall refer to a parallel learning sys:.e:fi 
i.0 
provide a viable alternative to the existing formal education. It encompasses bo31 the 
non-?orm& and informal Souices of ;knowledge and s!dls. 
b) Distance Education shall refer to any formal or non-formal educa'tisn pwcess 
wherein the leaching melhxi is outside the traditional means of education set vice 
delivery bct instead makes use of other methods of communication such as via mail, 
video, rxiio correspondence or other such means of communication. 
c) Bureau shall rekr to t!ie 3ureau of AI?erna::ve Le;:mirz 
System (BfiLS) 


SEC. 5. Functions of the Bureau of Alternative Learning System. - The Bureau 
shall perform the following functions: 
a) Formulate the objectives and basic policies of the nkrnative learning sys?ein; 
b) Formulate, adopt and supplement schemes and systems that vv';ll be rtiost 
effective and productive for ALS; 
establishments offering ALS; 
c) Formulate guidelines, policies, criteria for accreditation acd evaiuation of 
d) Formulate policies, guidelines, systems that will effectively administer 
admission of students, delivery of instruciion, and graduatioi-i; 
e) Formulate policies, guidelines and systems that will efficiently transfer of 
students from ALS to .formal education 2nd vice-versa; 
9 Administer and supervise the education programs of institutions and schools 
offering ALS; 
g) Develop curricula Tor ALS; 
h) Coordinate and monitor the objectives, functions and activities of ALS; and 
i) Administer, supervise, monitor and coordinate all programs and activities under 
Distance Education 
SEC. 6. Institutionalization of Distance Education - The administration of ai! 
Distance Education prosrams and projects is hereby transferred to the Cureau of 
Alternative Learning System. 
CEC, 7. Implemer:ing Rules and Regulaticns. - The Department of Ec!usatix!, 
upon prior consultation with the appropriate governmept agencies, non-gove;.nrnen:nl 
organizations and concerned civil society, shall issm the necessary %;cs and 
regulations for the effective implementailon ofthis Act within a period of ninety (90) days 
after i!s approval. 
SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, execul;ive orders, rules and regiiktions, 
and other issuances or parts thereof which are contrary or inconsistent with !his Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 


Approved,