QuestionsQuestions (OP EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 356)
The Executive Order cites Section 2 of RA 9155 (Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001) and Section 12.1, Rule XII of RA 9155 on the Alternative Learning System (ALS) as a parallel learning system covering both nonformal and informal sources.
The Bureau of Nonformal Education is renamed to the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS).
ALS is defined as a parallel learning system to provide a viable alternative to existing formal instruction, encompassing both nonformal and informal sources of knowledge and skills.
The policy is to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality basic education and to make such education accessible to all, including alternative learning system for out-of-school youth and adult learners.
It states that the Department of Education, through the Bureau of Nonformal Education, is mandated to ensure that all learning needs of marginalized learners are addressed.
(a) Address learning needs of marginalized groups, including deprived, depressed, and underserved citizens; (b) Coordinate with various agencies for skills development to enhance employability, efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness in the labor market; (c) Ensure expansion of access to educational opportunities for citizens with different interests, capabilities, demographic characteristics, and socio-economic origins/status; (d) Promote certification and accreditation of alternative learning programs, both formal and informal, for basic education.
Section 2(b): coordinate with various agencies for skills development to enhance and ensure continuing employability, efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness in the labor market.
Section 2(d): promote certification and accreditation of alternative learning programs, both formal and informal in nature, for basic education.
It must ensure access for citizens of different interests, capabilities, demographic characteristics, and socio-economic origins and status.
Marginalized groups, including the deprived, depressed, and underserved citizens.
It will respond to the need of a more systematic and flexible approach in reaching all types of learners outside the school system.
Necessary funds shall be taken from the present funds available in the Department of Education, and thereafter included in the General Appropriations Act.
It repeals or modifies all orders, issuances, rules, and regulations, or parts thereof, that are inconsistent with the Executive Order.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
It was signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, with Eduardo R. Ermita as Executive Secretary.
It indicates an official administrative restructuring/realignment of the unit’s name and identity, while its mandates and functions are specified (here, in Section 2) and any inconsistent rules are repealed or modified (Section 4).