Thursday, February 07, 2008
More than 1T to take equivalency test for diplomas
MORE than 1,000 applicants will troop to testing centers in Cebu on Sunday for the Department of Education (DepEd) alternative learning system (ALS) examination, which, if successfully hurdled, will earn them an elementary or high school diploma.
In Cebu City, 1,978 will gather in Zapatera Elementary School for the accreditation and equivalency test, which is for residents ages 11 and up for the elementary level and 15 and up for high school level, said City Councilor Gerardo Carillo.
Walk-in applicants are still accepted if they bring with them their one-by-one picture, valid ID and birth certificate.
Carillo has replicated the ALS in Cebu City, which has mass-produced 500 modules that will be distributed to the barangays for use to those interested to take the Oct. 1 ALS exam, which was set especially for Cebu City residents only.
“Our objective is that as much as possible, all residents will have a diploma, and strengthen literacy through the ALS,” Carillo said.
Roy Guarin, one of nine DepEd “mobile teachers” who are currently briefing applicants from 10 pilot barangays, said those who will pass the high school test will automatically be considered as having passed the sub-professional category of the Civil Service Commission examination.
He said the applicants could study at their own pace, which is better compared to formal education in the classrooms.
Guarin said that for the high school passers, they will also undergo a one-month academic focused bridging program to prepare them for college.
Carillo identified Barangays Basak San Nicolas, Guba, Duljo-Fatima, Camputhaw, Sudlon, Labangon, Mabolo, Talamban, Mambaling and Guadalupe as the pilot barangays.
He said those who want to take part of the program could go to their barangays, to his office, or to the DepEd office for enrolment.
No fee is required to avail of the program, and the modules will be given free of charge.
Carillo said among the target beneficiaries of the program are the 400 City Hall employees who have not finished high school.
Guarin said the modules are of international standard, as they are based on the Minnesota standardized test and developed by education experts from the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, and Ateneo de Manila University.
Only 10 barangays were considered as pilot areas education chairman, so Carillo, head of committee on education, could give more attention to what should be done to better the program. (RHM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 7, 2008 issue)
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