The 44th Sangguniang Panlalawigan has unanimously given its nod to a resolution urging Governor V. Dennis M. Socrates to explore and establish a Special Program dedicated to the Alternative Learning System (ALS).
This initiative seeks to provide essential support not only to Out-of-School Youth (OSY) within the province but also to young Palaweños facing socio-economic challenges while harboring dreams of completing their education.
This proposal, known as Resolution No. 1420-23, titled “A Resolution Urgently Proposing to Governor V. Dennis M. Socrates the Adoption of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) as a Special Program of the Provincial Government,” was introduced by Board Member Winston G. Arzaga, with Board Members Ariston D. Arzaga and Rafael V. Ortega, Jr as co-authors.
Board Member Arzaga emphasized that the ALS program, initiated in previous years, faced disruptions primarily due to a lack of adequate funding. He underscored the necessity of instituting a dedicated Special Program under the governor’s leadership, equipped with the necessary resources to ensure the sustained delivery of ALS services and safeguard the education of the province’s youth.
“It’s high time that we establish a program with secure, long-term funding, so that learners won’t face disruptions due to sudden budgetary cuts,” Arzaga said.
At present, over 4,000 learners in the northern region of the province alone are awaiting the opportunity to enroll in the ALS Program.
Arzaga expressed optimism about a favorable response from the governor, highlighting the importance of assisting OSY in the province who aspire to complete their education.
The resolution concludes with, “The Adoption of the ALS Program as a Special Program of the Provincial Government will lead to a more focused program implementation, ultimately benefiting individual learners.”