City College Proposes Innovative ALS Programs During DepEd CDO Stakeholders Session

In a strategic move to enhance educational access for out-of-school youth and adults, the City College of Cagayan de Oro introduced three innovative Alternative Learning System (ALS) programs during a stakeholders’ session titled “ALS in City College,” held at the DepEd Cagayan de Oro Function Room on May 21, 2025.

Leading the presentation were Dr. Ray Butch Mahinay, Vice President for Extension and Social Development Services, and Ms. Herna Francis Mae Tano, Director for Extension and Outreach. They shared the institution’s commitment to supporting ALS implementation through three community-rooted programs:

𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗽𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗴: 𝗔𝗻 𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺— for teachers, focusing on reflective practice and evidence-based teaching.

𝗣𝗮𝗴𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘆: 𝗔𝗻 𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆— designed to support learners’ academic readiness and foundational competencies.

𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘄: 𝗔𝗻 𝗔𝗟𝗦 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆— that empowers learners to explore future pathways through guided planning and career envisioning.

“These programs are grounded in our belief that ALS should not just be a second-chance system—it should be a transformative space for both learners and teachers,” said Dr. Mahinay. “We aim to support ALS teachers in becoming reflective practitioners while opening realistic and empowering pathways for learners.”

Ms. Tano emphasized the spirit of collaboration saying, “This is not just a City College initiative—it’s a community endeavor. We are grateful for the presence and insights of our partners in making ALS more responsive and inclusive.”

The activity gathered key ALS implementers and partners, including ALS teachers and representatives from BJMP CDO City Jail, DOH Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, Xavier University Night School Program, PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College, Island Kids Foundation, and other stakeholders.

The session served as a consultation and planning platform for co-developing the next steps in implementing these initiatives. These projects align with national goals of lifelong learning and inclusive education under Republic Act No. 11510, or the ALS Act.

The City College of Cagayan de Oro, through its Center for Alternative Learning System (CALS) and Extension and Outreach Office (EOO), is set to pilot the programs from August 2025 to January 2026 in close coordination with DepEd CDO and local partner institutions.