U.S. Embassy, DepEd Train Davao ALS Teachers

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On June 4 and 5, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines’ Regional English Language Office (RELO) and the Department of Education (DepEd) Davao City Division conducted an intensive workshop for 40 newly hired teachers under the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

Facilitated by two U.S. Department of State English Language Specialists, this was the first U.S.-supported ALS workshop held in Davao City.

The activity, titled “Embracing Student-Centered Learning: Art as Expression,” equipped participants with knowledge and tools to integrate hands-on, student-centered approaches into ALS curricula.

The workshop featured teaching demonstrations, sustainable project development strategies and peer collaboration.

The American trainers also introduced free U.S. government English teaching resources to enhance curriculum development and classroom engagement.

“The insights and strategies shared by our American teacher trainers are designed to significantly enhance the learning experience for ALS students,” said Jeff McIlvenna, U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer.

“This initiative underscores the United States’ direct investment in the professional development of Filipino educators, reinforcing our shared dedication to expanding access to quality education and fostering human potential across the Philippines.”

“DepEd’s ALS champions inclusivity by reaching the lost, the least and the last,” said Reynante Solitario, DepEd Davao City Division superintendent.

“Supporting ALS teachers is vital so they can teach better and ensure that every learner, regardless of circumstance, is embraced and given a chance to thrive.”

ALS is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that offers basic education access to out-of-school youth and adults affected by socioeconomic or geographical barriers.

The U.S. Embassy’s RELO is committed to supporting Philippine education through its English Language Specialist Program.

Past projects include a 2024 early literacy initiative for K-7 teachers in Negros Occidental that improved student reading scores through teacher training and volunteer engagement.

Last year, RELO also conducted English proficiency training for the Philippine Army in Tarlac.

RELO supports long-term academic partnerships.

Three American English Language Fellows are completing their academic year at universities in Bohol and Leyte, where they led preservice training for future teachers.

RELO is also preparing to launch five new two-year English Access Scholarship Programs across the Philippines.

These programs will provide promising teenagers with intensive English instruction and cultural immersion to boost their academic and career opportunities.