Fr. Randy Flores, SVD, Acting Executive Director of the Arnold Janssen Catholic Mission Foundation (AJCMF), met with Sir Raul Manaligod, President and CEO of DBP Service Corporation (DBPSC), on December 4, 2024, at the DBPSC office in Makati City. DBPSC, one of the country’s leading human resource outsourcing firms, employs approximately 12,000 individuals nationwide. The meeting focused on introducing the Alternative Learning System (ALS) to DBPSC’s employees and their dependents. This initiative seeks to provide accessible education to those who have not completed formal schooling, empowering them with new skills and opportunities. Also discussed was a plan to extend employment opportunities at DBPSC to graduates of the Arnold Janssen ALS program. This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of AJCMF and DBPSC to fostering education and sustainable employment, creating a pathway for inclusive growth. The partnership signifies a vital step toward aligning education and workforce development, with further details and agreements expected in the coming months.

Cluster 2 AJ/DC ALS held a full-day Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) registration event from 8 AM to 7 PM, initiated by Mam Serma Pagcaliwangan Hernandez and her team. While the day was filled with fun, participants humorously reflected on how incredibly tiring the process was. Despite the exhaustion, the event was a success, and congratulations are in order for all the learners of Cluster 2 for their dedication and perseverance.

Holy Family Parochial School in San Andres, Manila, became the center of learning and inspiration as ALS students gathered for the Basic English and Paragraph Writing Workshop. This initiative aimed to enhance the participants' English proficiency, equipping them with foundational literacy skills and techniques to craft effective paragraphs. The workshop was facilitated by skilled educators from Hopeful Writers Studios, led by Atty. Noel Marabut, whose dedication to nurturing young writers was evident throughout the event. The hands-on sessions encouraged active participation, making the learning experience both engaging and enriching. This event was made possible through the collaboration between Hopeful Writers Studios and the Rotary Club Manila Bay Chapter, showcasing their shared commitment to empowering the youth through education.

Quezon City, October 16, 2024 — The first quarterly report meeting of the community learning centers (CLCs) for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) was held at the Sacred Heart Parish-Shrine in Quezon City at 1:00 PM. Cluster heads representing their respective CLCs participated, with a few joining online, to discuss ongoing challenges and strategic solutions for ALS programs across the country. Representatives included the cluster head and coordinators from Dasmariñas City (4 clusters), Cavite (1), NCR (1), Lanao/Marawi (1), Palawan (1), Semirara (1), and Zamboanga (1). The cluster heads presented updates and identified key areas where additional support is needed. Main Issues Highlighted 1. Enrollment Decline: Many clusters are experiencing a drop in enrollments, raising concerns about engagement and outreach efforts. 2. Skills Training Mismatch: Cluster heads reported that some learners do not meet the age requirements for certain skills training programs, which affects their employability and readiness. 3. Literacy and Comprehension Struggles: Reading and comprehension abilities remain a challenge for many learners, impacting their progress and understanding of course content. 4. Updating Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs): There is a need to revise existing MOUs to address evolving needs and strengthen partnerships. 5. Resource Needs in Lanao and Palawan: These clusters reported a lack of essential school supplies and equipment, which impacts the learning environment and program delivery. 6. Transportation Requirements in Zamboanga: The Zamboanga CLS highlighted the need for a motor vehicle to enhance access for learners in remote communities. Support Education for Out-of-School Youth! Click Below to Make a Difference!

Sacred Heart ALS learners have clinched the title of 🏆Overall Champion🏆 at the much-anticipated NCR AJ ALS Sportsfest 2024, marking a major achievement in the event. The victory is especially meaningful as participants gave their all, showcasing not just their athleticism but their passion and team spirit. The learners fully embraced the day, enjoying every moment while pushing themselves to their limits—making the win even sweeter. Reflecting on the experience, one of the event organizers shared, "Deserve nyo ang award. Kasi para sa inyo naman talaga ang araw na yan. Sulit ang pagpupuyat ko!" (You deserve this award because this day was truly for you. All the sleepless nights were worth it!) This remarkable feat would not have been possible without the invaluable support from the Sacred Heart ALS community. Special thanks were extended to Fr. Randy Flores, RC, Site Program Director, for his continued guidance, and Fr. Judy Agustin Bañez, Program Director, for their steadfast leadership throughout the event. Additionally, the Arnold Janssen Catholic Mission Foundation, Inc. was commended for its ongoing commitment to promoting the well-being of learners, ensuring that this event was a resounding success. Congratulations again to all involved in this unforgettable achievement!

Today, the NCR Arnold Janssen Sacred Heart Learning Center conducted its first assessment of learners' portfolios. The initial assessors from the Quezon City district office are Sir James Villena, Sir Raymond, Ma'am Mary Ann, and Ma'am Lara Jean Aguilar, teacher of Sacred Heart ALS.

This week, our usual class sessions continued where learners experienced storytelling as a creative way to enhance their vocabulary. This week's major highlight was the completion of one of our dedicated Learning Facilitators in Butig, Normidah Pansar, from the sponsored Skills Training on Bread and Pastry. This achievement is vital as it will be integrated into our Skills Training, providing learners with valuable skills that can serve as a potential source of income. Additionally, our Head Learning Facilitator in Lanao, Saiven M. Romuros, participated in the 1st Quarterly Reporting of AJCMFI, where he presented the team's accomplishments, shared learners' data, and discussed their aspirations. Together, we're making strides in empowering our community through education and skills development!

Sec Sonny Angara and his DepEd team Had a consultative meeting with outgoing EDCOM2’s focal person on ALS, Fr Jerome, and his SVD confreres doing ALS mission. Among those in photo are Fr Lawrence Llona, Fr Judy Banez and Fr Ben Beltran, Director Almayda of BAE, Director Jamir on Assessment, and others.

Don't miss this week's update on the implementation of ALS-EST in Lanao! It highlights a significant educational milestone for our learners in Butig. The learners were taught about the main parts of the body and later had an engaging and fun activity in identifying parts of the body. Engaging the learners in interactive activities reflects our commitment to delivering comprehensive learning that meets the needs of our diverse student population. In Butig, we are also proud of our existing Community Learning Center (CLC) located in a toril (an Islamic stay-in education) which is dedicated exclusively to women. This center integrates peace education into its programs, empowering women with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to their communities peacefully. By fostering an environment where women can learn and grow together, we are not only promoting individual empowerment but also encouraging collective action towards building a more harmonious society. These initiatives demonstrate our holistic approach to education, emphasizing both personal and communal development.

Today, our Skills Trainer, Mr. Umbraan Tuan, Jr. commenced his training on organic farming at our Schools of Hope in Transitory Shelter & Brgy. Calocan Marawi City. The skills training aims to provide livelihood opportunities to our learners. Also, in the Municipality of Butig Butig, our Learning Facilitator, Norhaimah Pansar, had her first-class sessions at our newly opened CLC in Brgy. Dolangan, Butig, Lanao del Sur. It's truly a productive back to school! #ajcmfi

Graduates / Passers SY 2023-2024 in NCR, CAVITE, DASMARIÑAS, MARAWI, ZAMBOANGA, SEMIRARA BLP - 73 EL - 213 JHS - 829 Total - 1,115 NCR (Sacred Heart Quezon City, Holy Spirit Maria Clara, Holy Family Manila, Kalinga Manila, Saint Jude Manila) Graduates CAVITE (Bacoor, Tagaytay, Tanza) Graduates DASMARIÑAS Graduates PALAWAN (Balabac) Graduates LANAO (Marawi, Butig) Graduates Zamboanga (Guban) Graduates Congratulations to all graduates / completers "Walang Maiwang Mangmang, Lahat Kapaki-pakinabang"