26 parents in Loreto, Dinagat Islands return to schooling through 4Ps, ALS
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Going back to school after several years is never easy. For parents, it means making room for learning alongside raising children, managing a household, and earning a living.
But in Loreto, Province of Dinagat Islands, 26 mothers and fathers, also beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), are proving that it is never too late to return to the classroom through the Alternative Learning System (ALS), a free and flexible education program of the Department of Education for out-of-school youth, adults, and marginalized groups who cannot access formal schooling.
For the 4Ps beneficiaries who were unable to complete formal schooling, ALS gave them a flexible pathway to continue their education. Returning to school is more than earning an educational credential; it also serves as an inspiring example to their children that setbacks do not have to end a person’s pursuit of education.
They shared that through the modular learning approach, the flexible learning setup allowed them to continue their education while doing their responsibilities as parents and members of the community.
Meanwhile, DSWD Caraga recognized the partnership between 4Ps and ALS in creating pathways for families to pursue education and build better opportunities.
In Loreto, the program reaches all 10 barangays with only four ALS teachers, serving an average of 60 learners each enrollment period.
This year, enrollment has grown to 111 learners—53 males and 58 females, including 33 beneficiaries of the 4Ps. Among 4Ps learners are seven youth and 26 parents who have chosen to continue their education despite the demands of family life.
The agency shared that youth learners attend face-to-face classes from Monday to Thursday, while adult learners are provided with modular learning in the afternoons.
It added that when attending classes is difficult, the ALS teachers bring learning materials directly to learners in their communities.
Also, the ALS program went beyond academics by providing learners with livelihood and capability-building opportunities such as massage therapy, soap making, basic cooking, and baking, giving them practical skills to support their families and future livelihoods.
It further shared that several learners have already completed the program, including graduates who finished their studies in July 2026, while others continue working toward the same goal.
Rekson Paganpan is one of the program beneficiaries who graduated from the ALS program. Despite growing up without his parents, he persevered and completed his studies.
“After graduation, I continued my educational journey by enrolling in the formal school system as a Grade 11 senior high school student,” Paganpan said while sharing how the government provided him second chances through education.
For DSWD Caraga, connecting social protection with accessible and flexible learning gives families support not only to address their present needs but also to strengthen their capacity to shape their future. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DSWD Caraga)
