22 January 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok, in collaboration with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS) and volunteer Filipino teachers, held the Fourth Alternative Learning System (ALS) Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Examination in Bangkok from January 10 to 11.

Ms. Mercedes Villafana of the DepEd-BALS administered the ALS A&E at the Embassy Conference Room on January 11. A total of 25 examinees for the elementary and secondary levels participated. The results of the examination will be released after three to four months.

Passers of this test are awarded a certificate of learning achievement with the seal and signature of the DepEd Secretary. The certificate entitles them to enter formal schooling in the Philippines at the secondary or tertiary level. Thus, an elementary level test passer is qualified to enroll as freshman in the secondary level education. A secondary level test passer is given a chance to enter mainstream formal education system in the country and enroll in post-secondary courses (technical/vocational, two/four/five-year course) of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) member institution. They are also given access to Meralco Foundation Institute (MFI) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) skills training programs, and a chance to acquire eligibility for government employment positions under the Civil Service Commission (CSC). END