By: Hannah Franchezka Boragay
TABACO CITY— The Tabaco National High School (TNHS) community successfully inaugurated its new Alternative Learning System Community Learning Center (ALS CLC) on August 28.
Since its groundbreaking on December 23, 2024, this project has symbolized DepEd’s unwavering commitment to expanding access to education for out-of-school youths and adults.
The ALS CLC’s establishment fulfills Republic Act 11510’s mandate, which requires every city and municipality to have at least one Community Learning Center, providing vital access to quality education in areas with limited formal education opportunities, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
In Tabaco City, the new ALS CLC will benefit over 470 ALS learners this year, providing a safe, inclusive, and learner-friendly space for effective program implementation.
This is designed to serve as a comprehensive resource center, supporting both ALS learners and the broader community.
Beyond its physical structure, the TNHS ALS CLC represents hope, inclusivity, and accessible education. For learners, it symbolizes a second chance; for the community, it serves as a hub for education accessibility.
Salome Belen Barcenas, a 57-year old Barangay Captain in Tabiguian,Tabaco City, and currently a grade 11 ALS learner, shared with BicoldotPH that the establishment of the ALS CLC is a great opportunity, offering a vital lifeline not just for her but also to the community to pursue their educational aspirations.
“For me, having this facility in Tabaco City is a great privilege because even at my age, I still want to finish high school. Having an education makes a big difference, and my age won’t stop me from finishing my studies.” Barcenas said.
To facilitate its full operation, the Department of Education (DepEd) will provide Php 2.5 million for essential furniture and equipment, aligned with DepEd guidelines.
Furthermore, with the collaborative effort between UNICEF Philippines and Habi Foundation Lab, the center has also received vital ICT resources, comprising laptops, a television, internet router, and printer,
This two-storey, 371.25-square-meter facility is built on a 220-square-meter footprint, funded by the FY 2023 Continuing Flexible Learning Option (FLO) Fund, totaling Php 12,978,325.
Meanwhile, alongside with the inauguration and blessing ceremony of the new ALS CLC in TNHS, the DepEd Tabaco also launched the EDUKAHON, a flagship project of the DepEd which aims to provide learning material kits such as whiteboard, pens, papers, first aid kits and gadgets such as laptop and other communication materials, to the learners and teachers of Tabaco City, which can be utilized during calamities.
Tabaco City stands out as the sole representative of the Bicol Region and one of only four cities nationwide chosen by the DepEd for the prestigious EDUKAHON launch as it is prone to calamities and disasters. As part of this honor, ten deserving learners and teachers from TNHS received invaluable EDUKAHON learning materials.
This initiative demonstrates DepEd’s commitment to ensuring continuous learning, even in the face of natural disasters and challenges.
The event is attended by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, Local Government Unit officials, including Congresswoman Krisel Lagman, Board Members Sheina Onrubia, and Carol Ziga, City Councilors Nestor San Pablo, and Insit Tanggo, as well as learners and teachers from TNHS.
