COTABATO CITY (September 20, 2024) – A total of 180 out-of-school youth (OSY) from eight municipalities in Maguindanao del Sur have successfully completed the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program, overcoming various socio-economic challenges such as armed conflict, poverty, and limited educational opportunities.
The completion ceremony, held on Thursday, September 19, 2024, in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, celebrated the perseverance and dedication of these 180 OSYs. Each received certification, marking the culmination of their educational journey and a significant milestone in their academic pursuits.
In July, the Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) launched the “Youth Empowerment in the SPMS Box” project under the Bangsamoro Government’s Special Development Fund (SDF). The initiative aims to empower youth in conflict-affected areas through education and capacity-building programs.
BYC Chairperson Marjanie Mimbantas Macasalong praised the commitment of the ALS completers and the volunteer teachers who guided them.
“Sa inyong pagsisikap, patuloy po ang commitment ng Komisyon na bigyan ng pagkakataon at oportunidad ang kabataan na hindi nakapag-aral dahil sa kaguluhan sa ating mga lugar,” Macasalong said.
A core component of this project, the ALS program provides youth who missed out on formal schooling with the opportunity to attain basic education credentials and a second chance at learning.
Rahima A. Akmad, who ranked 9th in the 2023 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), served as the guest speaker. Sharing her experiences growing up in the conflict-affected SPMS Box, Akmad emphasized the value of resilience and lifelong learning.
“Tandaan ninyo na hindi hadlang ang kaguluhan o kahirapan sa pagkamit ng inyong mga pangarap. Sa pamamagitan ng ALS, may pagkakataon kayong bumangon at magpatuloy sa pag-aaral,” Akmad stated.
The event featured the awarding of certificates and medals to the ALS completers and a turnover of community partners to ALS regular classes, underscoring the collaborative efforts between BYC, ALS teachers, and local communities.
Representatives from the Special Development Fund – Project Management Office (SDF-PMO), MBHTE’s Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS), local government units (LGUs) of Maguindanao del Sur, and uniformed personnel also attended the ceremony, offering their support and congratulations to the completers.
Local Youth Development Officers (LYDOs) and youth volunteers from the SPMS Box were present as well, further showing the strong community involvement in the program.
In addition to the ALS program, the BYC project includes leadership and organizational training designed to equip OSYs with the skills needed to manage youth organizations and contribute to the rebuilding of their communities. This training is set to take place from late September to October.
The ceremony concluded with heartfelt messages of gratitude from the completers, who expressed their appreciation for the support and opportunities provided through the program. (BYC PR Unit/SAMN)
