As part of strengthening second-chance education in the Philippines, USAID—through its Opportunity 2.0 program—supported a summit led by the Department of Education’s Bureau of Alternative Education (DepEd BAE), Education Development Center, and SEAMEO INNOTECH that gathered over 100 Alternative Learning System (ALS) teachers and implementors from 15 partner cities across the Philippines.
The summit showcased community-level innovations that resulted from a teacher professional development program USAID supported to boost ALS in the Philippines. USAID Opportunity 2.0 has been implementing a capacity-building program that equips over 300 ALS teachers with the knowledge, skills, and tools for project-based learning, design thinking, and M&E. Through this, ALS becomes more accessible and responsive to the needs of millions of Filipino out-of-school youth.
Among the innovations highlighted included the development of the first-ever ALS M&E system, the role of alliance building in stronger education systems, as well as mobilizing youth leaders in making education work for the marginalized youth, among others.
Education Director Dr. Thomas LeBlanc of USAID Philippines joined Chief of Party David Hall, Former DepEd Secretary (now INNOTECH Center Director) Dr. Leonor Briones, as well as DepEd Assistant Secretary for ALS G.H. Ambat during the Opening Program held on January 18, 2023 in Tagaytay City.
USAID support to local actors who implement and champion education in communities has resulted in innovations in second-chance education in the Philippines. In only two years, more than 30,000 more marginalized youth have been reached by education programs and services through these community-based innovations. The summit has paved the way for DepEd and local champions in expanding and sustaining ALS in the Philippines.
