Eight ex-NPA rebels, seven CAAs finish ALS

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Eight former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and seven members of the Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) graduated from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in Barangay Tampucon II, Ayungon, Negros Oriental on Oct. 1.

The graduation ceremony with the theme “K to 12: Pursue Dreams and Fostering Resilience in the Face of Adversity” was held at South Poblacion Elementary School gymnasium.

It was facilitated by Lieutenant Colonel Van Donaldo Almonte, commander of the Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB), in partnership with the local government headed by Mayor Dennis Amancio, and the Department of Education (DepEd).

ALS is a parallel learning system that provides the former rebels and the CAA members opportunities to develop basic and functional literacy skills, and access equivalent pathways to complete basic education, according to the Army.

The Army said that it is a great opportunity for the rebel returnees to achieve their dreams.

“Now, they are ready to enroll and face higher level of education that will build a foundation of their future career,” the Army also said.

Present also in the activity were Bindoy Mayor Eniego Jabagat, ALS teachers, and students from the towns of Jimalalud, Tayasan, Ayungon, and La Libertad.