Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 356)
The Bureau of Nonformal Education is renamed to the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS).
The State policy is to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality basic education, making it accessible to all by providing free education to Filipino children at the elementary and high school levels, including alternative learning systems for out-of-school youth and adult learners.
The Alternative Learning System is defined as a parallel learning system that provides a viable alternative to existing formal education, encompassing both nonformal and informal sources of knowledge and skills.
The Bureau is mandated to address the learning needs of marginalized learners, coordinate with various agencies for skills development, expand access to educational opportunities, and promote certification and accreditation of alternative learning programs.
Its functions include addressing learning needs of marginalized groups, coordinating skills development efforts, expanding access to education for diverse citizens, and promoting certification and accreditation of alternative learning programs.
Marginalized groups of the population including the deprived, depressed, and underserved citizens.
Funds shall come from the present funds available in the Department of Education and will thereafter be included in the General Appropriations Act.
It took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
They are repealed or modified accordingly.