Tagum City, Davao del Norte (8 October) -- Twenty-two (22) year old Leybert Jayectin, a working student whose parents could not send him to formal education, is among the lucky takers of the Accreditation and Equivalency Test last October 3, 2010 at Tagum City National HighSchool.

Despite the soaring costs, Leybert and 963 other takers from 15 learning centers of Tagum City were able to complete the 10 month learning sessions. All of them took the national examination on October 3, 2004 and are hopeful they all can make it.

These 964 learners are from Apokon, Busaon, Canocotan, Madaum, Magdum, Pandapan, Union, Visayan Village, Briz, Magugpo Pilot, Rizal Learning Center, St. Mary's College, TCNHS - BP-OSA and Balik - Aral sa Selda and Palengkswelahan.

The Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program or the other side of basic education was established in Tagum City in 2003. It has been under the auspices of the City Literacy Coordinating Council through the leadership of Mayor Rey T. Uy as Council Chairman and Hon. Councilor Nick Suaybaguio, Jr. as Co-Chairperson and the Department of Education (DepEd) under the stewardship of School Division Superintendent Nenita E. Lumaad and thru the Alternative Learning System Division.

"The program was established to primarily provide alternative education (basic & continuing education) that is parallel to formal education to children of underprivileged families, out-of school youth and adults" ALS Division Chief Leila L. Ibita said.

What is remarkable about this, she said, the learners will have the opportunity to go back to school and considered as graduates in elementary or secondary level once they pass the accreditation and equivalency test.

"Thanks sa ALS, if not because of this program, saan pupunta and 964 na mga kabataan?, and what future waits for them?' Seeing them taking the exam with enthusiasm, I must say'I am proud to be an advocate of the Literacy Program", Instructional Manager Roem L. Ongcoy said. (PR CIO TAGUM)