In a significant stride towards promoting inclusive education, Air Link International Aviation College (ALIAC) partnered with the Schools Division Office (SDO) Pasay City Alternative Learning System (ALS) to offer its employees an opportunity to finish their junior high school education. This initiative was in line with Republic Act No. 11510, “Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Alternative Learning System Act,” Section 7, which institutionalizes ALS to enhance access to education for out-of-school children, adult learners, and marginalized communities.

The ALS program, anchored in the 1987 Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, underscored the state’s duty to protect and promote the right to quality education at all levels, ensuring accessibility for all citizens. The program was designed to reach the unreached, providing flexible and adaptive learning opportunities. By aligning with these principles, ALIAC ensured that all out-of-school youth and adults (OSYAs) in the nearby community could pursue their education without compromising their work commitments.

Through this partnership, ALIAC employees from various departments were able to complete their junior high school education including Amy Hipa Almano, a janitress from the Food and Janitorial Services; Marlon Lahaylahay Amboang, mason; Jackson Perater Anadeo, welder; Gilbert Caparos Cajayon, carpenter; Dennis Rapsing Evangelista, plumber; Victor Evangelista, sewer; Diosdado Asupardo Lajada, carpenter and mason; and Roberto Baban Ubalubao, carpenter and mason who all came from the Building Maintenance Department. Additionally, Nelson Sapeco Pertez, painter from the Building Maintenance Department completed his elementary education.

ALIAC’s ALS program provides access to basic education to all OSYAs in the nearby barangays, intensifies ALS programs and projects in the community, and produces highly successful and functionally literate OSYAs. The ALS initiatives provided a convenient venue for learners to attend classes and receive the support of ALS teachers. This encouraged more learners to come to school and complete their studies, making education more accessible to those who may have previously been unable to pursue it due to various constraints.

ALS, as described by Ms. Jazel Libo-on, MAEd-ELM, Assistant Principal of the Basic Education Department, is a transformative educational program offering flexible, non-formal education tailored to meet the diverse needs of learners. It empowers individuals to continue their education, gain essential skills, and enhance their quality of life through a variety of learning modules. The program embodies inclusivity and adaptability, paving the way for a more educated and empowered nation.

By offering this educational opportunity, ALIAC not only fulfilled its corporate social responsibility but also contributed to the broader goal of national development through education. This initiative highlighted the critical role that private institutions can play in supporting public education programs and underscored the importance of lifelong learning.

With the implementation of this program, ALIAC confidently extended their resources and support to foster a more inclusive and literate society.