​AROUND 400 Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners have earned microcredentials under a collaborative program by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef). ​Education Secretary Sonny Angara told the graduates that they are proof that life goals can't always be rushed. "It can come in steps, in modules, in micro-wins that eventually build a life of purpose and pride. Because in ALS, we don’t just measure success by how high you’ve climbed, but by how far you’ve come. And today, each of you has reached a summit worth celebrating," Angara said. ​The micro-certification for life skills program is anchored on Republic Act 11510 or the Alternative Learning System Act and the Philippine Qualification Framework that adopts a 360-degree assessment involving self-ratings, teachers, and community raters to measure learners’ life skills. ​Between 2022 and 2025, the DepEd, Unicef, Australian Council for Educational Research, and the University of Melbourne conducted studies that validated the reliability of assessing life skills through micro-certification. ​The program's pilot implementation, wherein 2,854 microcredentials were awarded, was held in eight schools division offices: Manila, Aurora, Batangas, Iriga, Lapu-Lapu, Misamis Oriental, Davao City, and South Cotabato.