SDO-SAN JUAN GEARS UP FOR ALS COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES AND MOVING UP CEREMONIES

A total of 119 Alternative Learning Sytem (ALS) learners, eight of whom were from the elementary level and 111 were from the high school, walked the stage of Pinaglabanan Elementary School Covered Court last April 13, 2018 to receive their certificates of completion after successfully passing the Accreditation and Equivalency Test (A & E Test) and other basic requirements needed in the ALS program. This activity was attended in by their equally proud parents and loved ones who marched alongside with them and up to the stage as DepEd officials handed them in their much-coveted diploma. OIC Superintendent Dr. Joel T. Torrecampo confirmed their graduation as he headed the SDO-San Juan family along with the OIC Asst. Superintendent Mrs. Flordelisa D. Pereyra, the different supervisors, school heads, mobile teachers, instructional managers, and other DepEd officials.

Hon. Mayor Guia G. Gomez served as the Inspirational Speaker who motivated them to persevere in life despite the lacks they have. She further invited them to pursue their studies with a promise of scholarship grants and possible employment in partnership with the stakeholders of the city as she recognized the relevance of schooling despite the poverty and the challenges that come with living in today’s society. Likewise, she reiterated the offer of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) San Juan campus for short-term courses to those who will qualify to their existing programs so the youth of San Juan will remain empowered by the choices they can make through quality education.

Other city and barangay officials also witnessed the said program to the delight of the ALS teachers as the host, ALS mobile teacher Mr. Erwin dela Cruz, kept on highlighting the importance of their partnership with the local officials especially in saturating the community for possible learners and the use of the barangay facilities for the learning sessions.

Jericho James L. Zarate of Barangay Batis delivered a thanksgiving speech on behalf of his batch mates as he tearfully recalled his experiences being a depressive who had to drop out of the regular school for two years but rose again through the program of ALS. He said, “Hinila ako mula sa kadiliman dahil nagkaroon ng direksyon ang aking buhay dahil sa ALS.” Zarate was recognized for getting the highest score in the A & E test, followed by Jerald Paul S. Valdez of Barangay Balong Bato as the second place, and John Philip B. dela Cruz of Barangay Batis as the third place.

SDO-San Juan continuously supports the ALS program through its intensive advocacy campaign and implementation under the supervision of Mr. Anselmo Joven, and the concerted efforts of the mobile teachers and instructional managers. This is in line with the Duterte administration’s thrust of accelerating human capital development with the goal to produce learners who can become critical thinkers and problem solvers both in the local and global communities. Even if the students face difficulties in life, they are still given the opportunities to succeed and have access to complete basic education that fits their distinct situations and needs.

Again, millions thanks to all our stakeholders, local government officials, and to our DepEd family for their valuable services contributed to the development and progress of ALS learners.

Photos from the Moving Up Ceremony:

L: The stage of the ceremonies with the DepED personnel together with the local government officials R: Mayor Guia G. Gomez with the OIC Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Joel T. Torrecampo, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Mrs. Flordelisa D. Pereyra and Mr. Dennis Bacle, Principal of Nicanor C. Ibuna Elementary School during their confirmation of the graduates.

L: Our guests, Education Program Supervisors, Principals and Department Heads during the lunch that came just after the closing ceremony. R: The Education Program Supervisors in a row who attended and gave their moral support during the ALS Commencement and Moving-Up Ceremony.