The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Regional English Language Office (RELO) and the Department of Education (DepEd) Davao City Division conducted an intensive workshop that trained 40 newly hired teachers under DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) on June 4 and 5.
According to the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, this is the first ALS workshop supported by the United States in Davao City.
The training was facilitated by two American trainers from the U.S. Department of State’s English Language Specialist Program with an activity entitled “Embracing Student-centered Learning: Art as Expression.”
In a statement, the embassy underscored that the training provided participants with knowledge and tools to integrate innovative, hands-on teaching in ALS curricula, ensuring that students are active participants in the learning process.
The workshop included teaching demonstrations, an introduction to creating sustainable and engaging teaching projects, and peer learning.
The embassy added that the American trainers also introduced free English language teaching resources from the U.S. government that will help enhance curriculum development and facilitate engaging classroom activities.
U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna said the insights and strategies shared by the American teacher trainers are designed to significantly enhance the learning experience for ALS students.
McIlvenna emphasized that the initiative underlined the United States’ direct investment in the professional development of Filipino educators, reinforcing its shared dedication to expanding access to quality education and fostering human potential across the Philippines.
Meanwhile, DepEd Davao City Division superintendent Reynante Solitario said DepEd’s ALS champions inclusivity by reaching the lost, the least, and the last.
He said that supporting ALS teachers is vital so they can teach better and ensure that every learner, regardless of circumstance, is embraced and given a chance to thrive.
ALS is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that provides a vital pathway to basic education for out-of-school youth and adults who lack access to formal schooling due to socioeconomic or geographical barriers.
The U.S. Embassy’s RELO commits to supporting Philippine education through its English Language Specialist Program.
