Senator Win Gatchalian is calling for the expansion and more aggressive implementation of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to reach out-of-school individuals who remain functionally illiterate.

During a recent hearing on the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), Gatchalian highlighted the need for stronger interventions, as the survey revealed that around 18.96 million Filipinos are still functionally illiterate.

“Even though the ALS exists, the government still struggles to boost participation in the program. If we want to improve functional literacy in the country, we must also address age groups outside DepEd’s current coverage,” said Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education.

“This is a real challenge. I firmly believe that the key to addressing this issue lies in mobilizing local government units,” he added.

Institutionalized under the Alternative Learning System Act, the ALS aims to provide more learning opportunities for out-of-school youth and adults, equipping them with basic and functional literacy skills. The law also offers an alternative pathway for completing basic education.