FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. ___ 
1636 
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INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Alternative Learning System (ALS) is neither a new concept nor a phenomenon 
since it is the primary goal of the Education for All Program. The ALS institutionalization 
is consistent with the declared policy of Republic Act 9155, otherwise known as the 
Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001 where the State is mandated, among 
others, to "promote, the right of all citizens to quality basic education and to make such 
education accessible to all by providing all Filipino children a free compulsory education 
in the elementary level and free education in the 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 dimension and a paradigm shift for non-formal 
education that will ultimately address and satisfy the legal requirements of Republic Act 
9155. ALS is an independent complete learning system as it addresses the various 
learning styles and needs of learners. Learners are given full discretion of the kind and 
method of learning they wish to have, including the use of information technology. A 
system and mode of certification and/or accreditation will be put in place to enhance 
employability of those who get into it. 
The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 1636 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE BUREAU OF ALTERNATIVE LEARNING 
SYSTEM (BALs) 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled. 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Alternative Learning System 
Act." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is policy of the State to encourage non-formal, 
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 phrases shall 
mean as follows: 
a) Alternative Learning System (ALS) shall refer to a parallel learning system to 
provide a viable alternative to the existing formal education. It encompasses both the 
non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills. 
b) Distance Education shall refer to any formal or non-formal education process 
wherein the teaching method is outside the traditional means of education service 
delivery but instead makes use of other methods of communication such as via mail, 
video, radio correspondence or other such means of communication. 


c) Bureau shall refer to the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALs) 
SEC. 4. Renaming of the Bureau. - The present Bureau of Non-formal Education 
(BNFE) under the Department of Education shall now hereby be renamed as the 
Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALs). 
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 alternative learning system; 
b) Formulate, adopt and supplement schemes and systems that will be most 
effective and productive for ALS; 
c) Formulate guidelines, policies, criteria for accreditation and evaluation of 
d) Formulate policies, guidelines, systems that will effectively administer 
e) Formulate policies, guidelines and systems that will efficiently transfer of 
9 Administer and supervise the education programs of institutions and schools 
g) Develop curricula for ALS; 
h) Coordinate and monitor the objectives, functions and activities of ALS; and 
i) Administer, supervise, monitor and coordinate all programs and activities under 
establishments offering ALS; 
admission of students, delivery of instruction, and graduation; 
students from ALS to formal education and vice-versa; 
offering ALS; 
Distance Education 
SEC. 6. Institutionalization of Distance Education - The administration of all 
Distance Education programs and projects is hereby transferred to the Bureau of 
Alternative Learning System. 
SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Education, 
upon prior consultation with the appropriate government agencies, non-governmental 
organizations and concerned civil society, shall issue the necessary rules and 
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within a period of ninety (90) days 
after its approval. 


SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, rules and regulations, 
and other issuances or parts thereof which are contrary or inconsistent with this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 9. Effectivity Clause - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved,