Around 400 learners of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) who successfully earned micro-certificates under DepEd’s pioneering Micro-Certification Program were given recognition by the Department of Education (DepEd) during an awarding ceremony this week.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the initiative aims to promote the recognition of life skills among ALS learners through micro-certification—a system that validates competencies such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

By providing formal credentials for these essential skills, DepEd seeks to strengthen learners’ pathways toward further education, employment, and lifelong learning.

Angara lauded the ALS awardees and highlighted the significance of celebrating progress in every form.

“Sa ating mga micro-certification completers, kayo po ang pruweba na hindi kailangang mabilis ang pagkuha ng life goals. It can come in steps, in modules, in micro-wins that eventually build a life of purpose and pride,” Angara said in a message.

“Because in ALS, we don’t just measure success by how high you’ve climbed, but by how far you’ve come. And today, each of you has reached a summit worth celebrating,” the DepEd chief added.

The ALS Micro-Certification is anchored on Republic Act No. 11510 or the Alternative Learning System Act and the Philippine Qualifications Framework. It adopts a 360° assessment involving self-ratings, teachers, and community raters to measure learners’ life skills.

This initiative underscores DepEd’s continued commitment to inclusive and equitable education by recognizing the diverse forms of learning among out-of-school youth and adults. Through partnerships with UNICEF, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and various local government units, DepEd continues to link alternative education with employability and community participation.

Between 2022 and 2025, DepEd, UNICEF, the Australian Council for Educational Research, and the University of Melbourne conducted studies validating the reliability of assessing life skills through micro-certification. Pilot implementations in eight Schools Division Offices—Manila, Aurora, Batangas, Iriga, Lapu-Lapu, Misamis Oriental, Davao City, and South Cotabato—have already produced 2,854 micro-certificates for ALS learners.

DepEd is also eyeing to expand certification tools, scaling up to other SDOs and integrating results into ALS improvement frameworks.

“Each badge or credential represents a story of progress, a small triumph that leads to greater opportunities for work and livelihood,” Angara said.