THE Department of Education (DepEd) recently procured over 87,000,000 of learning modules and 74,492 tablets for learners nationwide under the Flexible Learning Options (FLO) fund. The smooth and timely delivery is a fulfillment of Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s commitment to expand access to education through strategic early procurement activities (EPA).
The Department’s FLO provides learning options for students who cannot go to school for various reasons. These options allow for flexible schedules, locations, and methods of learning, depending on the personal circumstances and resources of the learner.
“These learning resources are designed to support learners who are studying independently, allowing them to learn at their own pace and make adjustments as needed,” Sec. Angara emphasized.
In his first six months in DepEd, Secretary Angara prioritized early procurement to accelerate the delivery of essential learning materials, a promise he made during the House of Representatives’ budget deliberations in September 2024.
“We made a commitment to fast-track learning resources, and we are making good on that promise. EPA is more than just a procurement strategy. It is a game-changer in making sure no learner is left waiting,” Sec. Angara said.
As a result, over 300,00 learners in high and medium risks areas across 16 regions would now have the necessary resources to continue their education through alternative modalities, advancing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of ensuring inclusive, accessible, and high-quality education for all learners.
Previously, the Bureau of Alternative Education (BAE) has successfully delivered 2,975,000 modules and 330,000 session guides across 16 regions. An additional P115 million was allocated to regions to reproduce locally developed modules, including 41 Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Elementary modules and 41 A&E Junior High School (JHS) modules, utilizing previous years’ FLO-Learning Resources funds.
“As we strengthen our alternative education programs, we also make sure that our learners are equipped with crucial educational tools and resources to aid them in their learning and help them reintegrate into the educational system,” Secretary Sonny Angara said.
Nearly 300 ALS implementers have also undergone specialized training, supported by UNESCO, to enhance the effective use of these resources.
Under FLO, DepEd offers the Alternative Delivery Modes (ADMs) and Alternative Learning System (ALS). ADMs offers a menu of alternative learning delivery approaches and programs that cater learners enrolled in the formal system but for various reasons are at risk of dropping out. It follows the K to 12 curriculum but does not follow the traditional classroom set up. It allows learning through modular distance learning, online distance learning, blended learning, Open High School System, Night High School, Rural Farm School, and Homeschooling.
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