DOTr defers P50M vehicle purchase

DOTr defers P50M vehicle purchase

(UPDATE) ACTING Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered the deferment of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) planned purchase of motor vehicles worth P50 million, redirecting the funds to upgrade the client service areas of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). In a memorandum dated Oct. 16, 2025, Lopez directed concerned officials to suspend the re-fleeting of vehicles for the DOTr central office, which was originally funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act. The move, he said, was in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to prioritize programs that directly benefit the public. “In compliance with the directive of the President to give the Filipino people the public transport and services that they need and deserve, the DOTr together with its sectoral offices shall undertake measures to improve delivery of services to the public,” the order states. The P50 million allocation will instead be used to enhance LTO and LTFRB client areas, including facility improvements intended for public use. The DOTr said the procurement of new vehicles may be revisited in the following year, subject to the availability of funds. The announcement came as Lopez conducted his regular “commute check” to personally assess the daily experiences of daily commuters and identify areas for improvement. Braving early morning rain, Lopez began his trip at about 6:15 a.m. from Holy Spirit, Commonwealth, Quezon City, accompanied by Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor, and LTFRB Executive Director Loumer Bernabe. He boarded a bus bound for Philcoa, inspected the nearby public utility vehicle stop, and later took another bus toward Kamuning. Along the route, Lopez noted improved traffic flow and a greater number of buses servicing the Commonwealth Avenue corridor, citing LTFRB’s earlier issuance of 500 special permits to increase bus availability and reduce congestion. The acting secretary said both the fund reallocation and on-ground assessments are part of the agency’s broader effort to “redirect resources where they matter most — in improving services that directly affect the daily lives of Filipinos.”

DOTr defers P50M vehicle purchase

DOTr defers P50M vehicle purchase

(UPDATE) ACTING Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered the deferment of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) planned purchase of motor vehicles worth P50 million, redirecting the funds to upgrade the client service areas of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). In a memorandum dated Oct. 16, 2025, Lopez directed concerned officials to suspend the re-fleeting of vehicles for the DOTr central office, which was originally funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act. The move, he said, was in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to prioritize programs that directly benefit the public. “In compliance with the directive of the President to give the Filipino people the public transport and services that they need and deserve, the DOTr together with its sectoral offices shall undertake measures to improve delivery of services to the public,” the order states. The P50 million allocation will instead be used to enhance LTO and LTFRB client areas, including facility improvements intended for public use. The DOTr said the procurement of new vehicles may be revisited in the following year, subject to the availability of funds. The announcement came as Lopez conducted his regular “commute check” to personally assess the daily experiences of daily commuters and identify areas for improvement. Braving early morning rain, Lopez began his trip at about 6:15 a.m. from Holy Spirit, Commonwealth, Quezon City, accompanied by Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor, and LTFRB Executive Director Loumer Bernabe. He boarded a bus bound for Philcoa, inspected the nearby public utility vehicle stop, and later took another bus toward Kamuning. Along the route, Lopez noted improved traffic flow and a greater number of buses servicing the Commonwealth Avenue corridor, citing LTFRB’s earlier issuance of 500 special permits to increase bus availability and reduce congestion. The acting secretary said both the fund reallocation and on-ground assessments are part of the agency’s broader effort to “redirect resources where they matter most — in improving services that directly affect the daily lives of Filipinos.”

DOTr defers P50M vehicle purchase

DOTr defers P50M vehicle purchase

(UPDATE) ACTING Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered the deferment of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) planned purchase of motor vehicles worth P50 million, redirecting the funds to upgrade the client service areas of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). In a memorandum dated Oct. 16, 2025, Lopez directed concerned officials to suspend the re-fleeting of vehicles for the DOTr central office, which was originally funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act. The move, he said, was in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to prioritize programs that directly benefit the public. “In compliance with the directive of the President to give the Filipino people the public transport and services that they need and deserve, the DOTr together with its sectoral offices shall undertake measures to improve delivery of services to the public,” the order states. The P50 million allocation will instead be used to enhance LTO and LTFRB client areas, including facility improvements intended for public use. The DOTr said the procurement of new vehicles may be revisited in the following year, subject to the availability of funds. The announcement came as Lopez conducted his regular “commute check” to personally assess the daily experiences of daily commuters and identify areas for improvement. Braving early morning rain, Lopez began his trip at about 6:15 a.m. from Holy Spirit, Commonwealth, Quezon City, accompanied by Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor, and LTFRB Executive Director Loumer Bernabe. He boarded a bus bound for Philcoa, inspected the nearby public utility vehicle stop, and later took another bus toward Kamuning. Along the route, Lopez noted improved traffic flow and a greater number of buses servicing the Commonwealth Avenue corridor, citing LTFRB’s earlier issuance of 500 special permits to increase bus availability and reduce congestion. The acting secretary said both the fund reallocation and on-ground assessments are part of the agency’s broader effort to “redirect resources where they matter most — in improving services that directly affect the daily lives of Filipinos.”

New mall hours, sale rules set for Holidays

New mall hours, sale rules set for Holidays

(UPDATE) THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday announced several measures to ease traffic in Metro Manila ahead of the Christmas rush, including new mall hours, delivery restrictions, and a moratorium on road works. Starting Nov. 17, shopping malls in the capital will open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weekdays until Dec. 25. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the adjustments are part of the agency’s annual strategy to manage heavier traffic as more people visit malls during the holiday season. Following a meeting with mall operators, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and utility firms, the MMDA also ordered malls to submit their traffic management plans two weeks before any planned sale or promotional event. Mall-wide sales will only be allowed on weekends. Individual stores may still hold sales during weekdays, but without public announcements, advertisements, or tarpaulins. Deliveries to malls will be limited to nighttime hours — from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on weekdays — except for perishable goods such as food and ice. The agency also ordered a temporary suspension of road excavation activities on national and city roads during the period to avoid further congestion. Projects that are exempted from the suspension include major bridge repairs, flood interceptor catchment projects, and emergency leak repairs. “The Christmas season brings with it a 10 to 25 percent increase in vehicular volume in Metro Manila roads,” Artes said, adding that the measures are intended to keep holiday traffic manageable. Provincial buses will also be allowed to use EDSA from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. starting Dec. 20. From Dec. 24 to Jan. 2, they may operate around-the-clock to accommodate more passengers. Buses from the north will end trips in Cubao, Quezon City, while those from the south will terminate at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange or in Pasay City. The MMDA will also extend the night shift of traffic enforcers until midnight beginning Nov. 17. In coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and transport groups, the agency will work to extend the operating hours of the EDSA Bus Carousel, LRT, MRT-3, and other public transport systems for late-night commuters and mall workers. The MMDA said it will intensify clearing operations and enforce traffic rules more strictly, including through its No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), during the holiday period.

New mall hours, sale rules set for Holidays

New mall hours, sale rules set for Holidays

(UPDATE) THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday announced several measures to ease traffic in Metro Manila ahead of the Christmas rush, including new mall hours, delivery restrictions, and a moratorium on road works. Starting Nov. 17, shopping malls in the capital will open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weekdays until Dec. 25. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the adjustments are part of the agency’s annual strategy to manage heavier traffic as more people visit malls during the holiday season. Following a meeting with mall operators, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and utility firms, the MMDA also ordered malls to submit their traffic management plans two weeks before any planned sale or promotional event. Mall-wide sales will only be allowed on weekends. Individual stores may still hold sales during weekdays, but without public announcements, advertisements, or tarpaulins. Deliveries to malls will be limited to nighttime hours — from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on weekdays — except for perishable goods such as food and ice. The agency also ordered a temporary suspension of road excavation activities on national and city roads during the period to avoid further congestion. Projects that are exempted from the suspension include major bridge repairs, flood interceptor catchment projects, and emergency leak repairs. “The Christmas season brings with it a 10 to 25 percent increase in vehicular volume in Metro Manila roads,” Artes said, adding that the measures are intended to keep holiday traffic manageable. Provincial buses will also be allowed to use EDSA from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. starting Dec. 20. From Dec. 24 to Jan. 2, they may operate around-the-clock to accommodate more passengers. Buses from the north will end trips in Cubao, Quezon City, while those from the south will terminate at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange or in Pasay City. The MMDA will also extend the night shift of traffic enforcers until midnight beginning Nov. 17. In coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and transport groups, the agency will work to extend the operating hours of the EDSA Bus Carousel, LRT, MRT-3, and other public transport systems for late-night commuters and mall workers. The MMDA said it will intensify clearing operations and enforce traffic rules more strictly, including through its No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), during the holiday period.

New mall hours, sale rules set for Holidays

New mall hours, sale rules set for Holidays

(UPDATE) THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday announced several measures to ease traffic in Metro Manila ahead of the Christmas rush, including new mall hours, delivery restrictions, and a moratorium on road works. Starting Nov. 17, shopping malls in the capital will open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weekdays until Dec. 25. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the adjustments are part of the agency’s annual strategy to manage heavier traffic as more people visit malls during the holiday season. Following a meeting with mall operators, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and utility firms, the MMDA also ordered malls to submit their traffic management plans two weeks before any planned sale or promotional event. Mall-wide sales will only be allowed on weekends. Individual stores may still hold sales during weekdays, but without public announcements, advertisements, or tarpaulins. Deliveries to malls will be limited to nighttime hours — from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on weekdays — except for perishable goods such as food and ice. The agency also ordered a temporary suspension of road excavation activities on national and city roads during the period to avoid further congestion. Projects that are exempted from the suspension include major bridge repairs, flood interceptor catchment projects, and emergency leak repairs. “The Christmas season brings with it a 10 to 25 percent increase in vehicular volume in Metro Manila roads,” Artes said, adding that the measures are intended to keep holiday traffic manageable. Provincial buses will also be allowed to use EDSA from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. starting Dec. 20. From Dec. 24 to Jan. 2, they may operate around-the-clock to accommodate more passengers. Buses from the north will end trips in Cubao, Quezon City, while those from the south will terminate at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange or in Pasay City. The MMDA will also extend the night shift of traffic enforcers until midnight beginning Nov. 17. In coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and transport groups, the agency will work to extend the operating hours of the EDSA Bus Carousel, LRT, MRT-3, and other public transport systems for late-night commuters and mall workers. The MMDA said it will intensify clearing operations and enforce traffic rules more strictly, including through its No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), during the holiday period.

BI deports 2 Japanese fugitives wanted for robbery, fraud

BI deports 2 Japanese fugitives wanted for robbery, fraud

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has deported two Japanese nationals wanted by authorities in Tokyo for robbery and fraud-related crimes, following their separate arrests earlier this year. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the deportees as Hoshino Takuya, 24, and Kunio Aihara, 62, who were turned over to Japanese law enforcement via a Japan Airlines flight to Tokyo on Thursday. Hoshino was arrested on April 22 in Las Piñas City after Japanese authorities reported him as a fugitive linked to the "Luffy" gang, a criminal group involved in theft and fraud targeting senior citizens. He allegedly posed as a police officer to coerce victims into surrendering their ATM cards, which were then used to withdraw their savings. Aihara, meanwhile, was apprehended on June 3 after Tokyo police informed the BI that he was wanted for robbery resulting in injury, a crime he allegedly committed about 30 years ago. Investigators said Aihara and his accomplices robbed and assaulted a victim, taking a wallet containing 700,000 yen. The victim reportedly sustained serious injuries that required weeks of medical care. Both fugitives were detained at the BI’s facility in Taguig City pending the resolution of their deportation cases. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said their names have been placed on the bureau’s blacklist, permanently barring them from re-entering the Philippines. “The Bureau remains committed to cooperating with international law enforcement agencies to ensure that fugitives have no safe haven in the Philippines,” Viado said.

BI deports 2 Japanese fugitives wanted for robbery, fraud

BI deports 2 Japanese fugitives wanted for robbery, fraud

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has deported two Japanese nationals wanted by authorities in Tokyo for robbery and fraud-related crimes, following their separate arrests earlier this year. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the deportees as Hoshino Takuya, 24, and Kunio Aihara, 62, who were turned over to Japanese law enforcement via a Japan Airlines flight to Tokyo on Thursday. Hoshino was arrested on April 22 in Las Piñas City after Japanese authorities reported him as a fugitive linked to the "Luffy" gang, a criminal group involved in theft and fraud targeting senior citizens. He allegedly posed as a police officer to coerce victims into surrendering their ATM cards, which were then used to withdraw their savings. Aihara, meanwhile, was apprehended on June 3 after Tokyo police informed the BI that he was wanted for robbery resulting in injury, a crime he allegedly committed about 30 years ago. Investigators said Aihara and his accomplices robbed and assaulted a victim, taking a wallet containing 700,000 yen. The victim reportedly sustained serious injuries that required weeks of medical care. Both fugitives were detained at the BI’s facility in Taguig City pending the resolution of their deportation cases. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said their names have been placed on the bureau’s blacklist, permanently barring them from re-entering the Philippines. “The Bureau remains committed to cooperating with international law enforcement agencies to ensure that fugitives have no safe haven in the Philippines,” Viado said.

BI deports 2 Japanese fugitives wanted for robbery, fraud

BI deports 2 Japanese fugitives wanted for robbery, fraud

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has deported two Japanese nationals wanted by authorities in Tokyo for robbery and fraud-related crimes, following their separate arrests earlier this year. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the deportees as Hoshino Takuya, 24, and Kunio Aihara, 62, who were turned over to Japanese law enforcement via a Japan Airlines flight to Tokyo on Thursday. Hoshino was arrested on April 22 in Las Piñas City after Japanese authorities reported him as a fugitive linked to the "Luffy" gang, a criminal group involved in theft and fraud targeting senior citizens. He allegedly posed as a police officer to coerce victims into surrendering their ATM cards, which were then used to withdraw their savings. Aihara, meanwhile, was apprehended on June 3 after Tokyo police informed the BI that he was wanted for robbery resulting in injury, a crime he allegedly committed about 30 years ago. Investigators said Aihara and his accomplices robbed and assaulted a victim, taking a wallet containing 700,000 yen. The victim reportedly sustained serious injuries that required weeks of medical care. Both fugitives were detained at the BI’s facility in Taguig City pending the resolution of their deportation cases. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said their names have been placed on the bureau’s blacklist, permanently barring them from re-entering the Philippines. “The Bureau remains committed to cooperating with international law enforcement agencies to ensure that fugitives have no safe haven in the Philippines,” Viado said.

Diesel prices down, gasoline up next week

Diesel prices down, gasoline up next week

DIESEL prices are expected to go down, while gasoline prices are seen to spike slightly next week, influenced by global developments, industry sources said on Friday. Sources estimate diesel prices would go down by about P0.60 up to 0.80 per liter, while gasoline will either stay the same or go up slightly by P0.20 per liter. These estimates are based on the 4-day trading of Mean of Platts, Singapore, the pricing basis of refined goods in Southeast Asia. Sources said the global developments dictating the prices included oversupply from the Oil Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and the US; the International Energy Agency's reduction of its global oil demand forecast due to concerns about a market surplus; and oil traders seeing prices fall with geopolitical "risk premium" dissipating in the Middle East. They added that prices could still remain volatile due to the possibility that India would stop Russian oil imports which, in turn, could increase demand for supplies from other sources; the decreasing availability of fuel products and crude oil from Russia due to persistent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries, and the sanctions of the British government that are set to be imposed on Russia’s biggest energy companies. Also, they mentioned that geopolitical tensions between Russia, the US and Ukraine could bring further uncertainty over global energy supplies. "Oil prices fell this week due to demand concerns resulting from the US-China trade tensions, and worries of a looming supply glut in 2026. Specifically, diesel prices have softened week-on-week, though values remain broadly elevated as several refineries within Asia are still undergoing scheduled turnarounds. Meanwhile, gasoline prices have also generally dropped, but a decrease in regional gasoline inventories in Asia, coupled with firm demand from Indonesia, and opportunities to fill the supply gaps in Middle East, Africa and Europe on the back of refinery maintenances, have prevented prices from further going down," Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said. "However, further volatility this week is expected due to the possibility of India stopping Russian oil imports; decreasing availability of fuel products and crude oil from Russia due to persistent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries; and sanctions by the British government on Russia’s biggest energy companies. The geopolitical tensions between Russia, the US and Ukraine are also bringing further uncertainty over global energy supplies," he added. "Based on the 4-day trading in Mean of Platts, Singapore, we will be expecting a rollback in some of the prices of petroleum products by next week. Relevant news contributing to these adjustments are the crude oil continuing to look weak due to oversupply; international Energy Agency cutting its global oil demand forecast citing concerns about a market surplus; and oil traders seeing prices falling as geopolitical ‘risk premium’ dissipates," Department of Energy-Oil Industry Management Bureau director Rodela Romero said. This week, local oil companies implemented a P0.30 per liter increase on gasoline, but did not adjust diesel prices.

Diesel prices down, gasoline up next week

Diesel prices down, gasoline up next week

DIESEL prices are expected to go down, while gasoline prices are seen to spike slightly next week, influenced by global developments, industry sources said on Friday. Sources estimate diesel prices would go down by about P0.60 up to 0.80 per liter, while gasoline will either stay the same or go up slightly by P0.20 per liter. These estimates are based on the 4-day trading of Mean of Platts, Singapore, the pricing basis of refined goods in Southeast Asia. Sources said the global developments dictating the prices included oversupply from the Oil Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and the US; the International Energy Agency's reduction of its global oil demand forecast due to concerns about a market surplus; and oil traders seeing prices fall with geopolitical "risk premium" dissipating in the Middle East. They added that prices could still remain volatile due to the possibility that India would stop Russian oil imports which, in turn, could increase demand for supplies from other sources; the decreasing availability of fuel products and crude oil from Russia due to persistent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries, and the sanctions of the British government that are set to be imposed on Russia’s biggest energy companies. Also, they mentioned that geopolitical tensions between Russia, the US and Ukraine could bring further uncertainty over global energy supplies. "Oil prices fell this week due to demand concerns resulting from the US-China trade tensions, and worries of a looming supply glut in 2026. Specifically, diesel prices have softened week-on-week, though values remain broadly elevated as several refineries within Asia are still undergoing scheduled turnarounds. Meanwhile, gasoline prices have also generally dropped, but a decrease in regional gasoline inventories in Asia, coupled with firm demand from Indonesia, and opportunities to fill the supply gaps in Middle East, Africa and Europe on the back of refinery maintenances, have prevented prices from further going down," Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said. "However, further volatility this week is expected due to the possibility of India stopping Russian oil imports; decreasing availability of fuel products and crude oil from Russia due to persistent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries; and sanctions by the British government on Russia’s biggest energy companies. The geopolitical tensions between Russia, the US and Ukraine are also bringing further uncertainty over global energy supplies," he added. "Based on the 4-day trading in Mean of Platts, Singapore, we will be expecting a rollback in some of the prices of petroleum products by next week. Relevant news contributing to these adjustments are the crude oil continuing to look weak due to oversupply; international Energy Agency cutting its global oil demand forecast citing concerns about a market surplus; and oil traders seeing prices falling as geopolitical ‘risk premium’ dissipates," Department of Energy-Oil Industry Management Bureau director Rodela Romero said. This week, local oil companies implemented a P0.30 per liter increase on gasoline, but did not adjust diesel prices.

Diesel prices down, gasoline up next week

Diesel prices down, gasoline up next week

DIESEL prices are expected to go down, while gasoline prices are seen to spike slightly next week, influenced by global developments, industry sources said on Friday. Sources estimate diesel prices would go down by about P0.60 up to 0.80 per liter, while gasoline will either stay the same or go up slightly by P0.20 per liter. These estimates are based on the 4-day trading of Mean of Platts, Singapore, the pricing basis of refined goods in Southeast Asia. Sources said the global developments dictating the prices included oversupply from the Oil Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and the US; the International Energy Agency's reduction of its global oil demand forecast due to concerns about a market surplus; and oil traders seeing prices fall with geopolitical "risk premium" dissipating in the Middle East. They added that prices could still remain volatile due to the possibility that India would stop Russian oil imports which, in turn, could increase demand for supplies from other sources; the decreasing availability of fuel products and crude oil from Russia due to persistent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries, and the sanctions of the British government that are set to be imposed on Russia’s biggest energy companies. Also, they mentioned that geopolitical tensions between Russia, the US and Ukraine could bring further uncertainty over global energy supplies. "Oil prices fell this week due to demand concerns resulting from the US-China trade tensions, and worries of a looming supply glut in 2026. Specifically, diesel prices have softened week-on-week, though values remain broadly elevated as several refineries within Asia are still undergoing scheduled turnarounds. Meanwhile, gasoline prices have also generally dropped, but a decrease in regional gasoline inventories in Asia, coupled with firm demand from Indonesia, and opportunities to fill the supply gaps in Middle East, Africa and Europe on the back of refinery maintenances, have prevented prices from further going down," Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said. "However, further volatility this week is expected due to the possibility of India stopping Russian oil imports; decreasing availability of fuel products and crude oil from Russia due to persistent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries; and sanctions by the British government on Russia’s biggest energy companies. The geopolitical tensions between Russia, the US and Ukraine are also bringing further uncertainty over global energy supplies," he added. "Based on the 4-day trading in Mean of Platts, Singapore, we will be expecting a rollback in some of the prices of petroleum products by next week. Relevant news contributing to these adjustments are the crude oil continuing to look weak due to oversupply; international Energy Agency cutting its global oil demand forecast citing concerns about a market surplus; and oil traders seeing prices falling as geopolitical ‘risk premium’ dissipates," Department of Energy-Oil Industry Management Bureau director Rodela Romero said. This week, local oil companies implemented a P0.30 per liter increase on gasoline, but did not adjust diesel prices.

400 ALS Learners Earn Microcredentials through DepEd-Unicef Partnership.

400 ALS Learners Earn Microcredentials through DepEd-Unicef Partnership.

​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.

400 ALS Learners Earn Microcredentials through DepEd-Unicef Partnership.

400 ALS Learners Earn Microcredentials through DepEd-Unicef Partnership.

​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.