The Alternative Learning System (ALS),
a program by the Department of Education (DepEd), has been a beacon of hope for
out-of-school youth and those unable to pursue education due to poverty. One
such inspiring story is that of 67-year-old learner Dominga Malinog.
Despite not being able to
finish her education at the conventional age, Dominga strived to achieve her
dream of earning a diploma through the ALS program. She recently graduated from
Junior High School (JHS) at the Community Learning Center of Carpenter Hills
Elementary School in Koronadal City.
Dominga, fondly referred to
as ‘Nanay Dominga’, had always wanted to study. However, due to financial
constraints in her early life, her parents were unable to provide her with an
education. This information was shared by ALS Teacher Wilfred Malinog, who is
also her son.
“I am proud of my mother
for completing her JHS even at the age of 67,” he added.
In a twist of fate, Teacher
Wilfred received a Special Order to become an ALS teacher at the same school.
According to him, his vocation as a teacher of the program became a bridge for
his mother’s education.
He shared that whenever he
printed modules for his learners, Nanay Dominga would get a copy to read and
try to answer the questions. Encouraged by this, Teacher Wilfred urged his
mother to enroll in ALS. Nanay Dominga formally joined the ALS program in August
2023, with her son serving as her teacher.
He expressed his joy at
having his mother as one of his students. “Every time I check her modules, I
follow up to see if her answers are correct. She follows all my instructions
and does everything she needs to do. So, she does it and it turns out okay,” he
said.
Currently, Teacher Wilfred
is encouraging Nanay Dominga to continue with the Senior High School program of
ALS.
He sends out a message to all those who have not yet completed their education, especially those who stopped studying, out-of-school youth, and those who married early, “It’s never too late. Anytime, you can enroll in ALS, you can enroll in elementary, junior high school, and senior high school. Continue studying to graduate.”