Rebel Returnees’ Journey to Alternative Learning System Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2025.341Keywords:
ALS education, Coping mechanisms, Davao del Sur, Lived experiences, Rebel returneesAbstract
This study used a phenomenological design to explore the stories of rebel returnees’ journey to Alternative Learning System (ALS) education. This study was limited to eight (8) rebel returnees from the selected schools in Matanao, Kiblawan, and Bansalan, Davao del Sur, particularly from Alternative Learning System (ALS) graduates or enrollees. Four (4) male and four (4) female participants below and above 18 years old fit our inclusion criteria: the rebel returnees. The findings revealed that the lived experiences were as follows: educational opportunities and regular life challenges, reintegration efforts, time management, and strengthening academic difficulties. Overall, the general theme revolves around the positive encounters and the challenges experienced by rebel returnees in going back to school. The study of rebel returnees’ lived experiences highlights important implications for theory, practices, and education: training and Professional Development, Pedagogical Approaches, Research and Policy, and Rehabilitation and Support. To better understand the long-term effects of returning former rebels to school, officials from the Department of Education may undertake longitudinal research. The Alternative Learning System (ALS) program provides students with the education they need to understand the ever-changing nature of work and how it affects pedagogical approaches and career advancement.
Downloads
References
Abel, L., Galle, A. C., Ziehmann, L., & Vogt, T. (2024). Students’ perspectives on racism and anti-racism in physical education: a systematic review. Frontiers in Sociology, 9, 1374277. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2024.1374277
Alase, A. (2017). The interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA): A guide to a good qualitative research approach. International journal of education and literacy studies, 5(2), 9–19. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.5n.2p.9
Albert, J. R. G., Basillote, L. B., Alinsunurin, J. A., Vizmanos, J. V., Muñoz, M.S., and Hernandez, A.C. (2023). Sustainable development goal 4 on quality education for all: How does the Philippines fare and what needs to be done. (Discussion Paper Series No. 2023-16). Philippine Institute for Development Studies. https://hdl.handle.net/10419/284615
Acosta, B., Huang, R., & Silverman, D. (2023). Introducing role: A database of rebel leader attributes in armed conflict. Journal of Peace Research, 60(2), 352–361. https://doi.org/10.1177/00223433221077920
Baccal, V. S., & Ormilla, R. C. G. (2021). The implementation of alternative learning system in public schools in Isabela, Philippines. Educatum Journal of Social Sciences, 7(1), 19–29. https://doi.org/10.37134/ejoss.vol7.1.3.2021
Bhatti, G. (2010). Learning behind bars: Education in prisons. Teaching and Teacher Education, 26(1), 31–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2009.06.020
Caballes, M. E. J., Pedrita, N. J. C., Villaren, J. M., & Diquito, T. J. A. (2024). Status of science laboratories in secondary basic education public schools in the Division of Davao Del Sur, Philippines. American Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, 3(1), 45–54. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajiri.v3i1.2495
Catyong, C. I., Luchavez, M. D. A., Garciano, L. M., & San Francisco, C. (2023). Recognizing the status, needs, and challenges of alternative learning system students in a rural district. Journal of Education and Practice. Vol. 14 (17), https://doi.org/10.7176/JEP/14-17-04
Cubero, G. D., Gulibanb, Y., de Leonc, R., & Jacosalemd, C. J. (2022). Unveiling the lived experiences of rebel returnees: A Phenomenological Study. Resmilitaris, 12(6), 306-323. https://resmilitaris.net/uploads/paper/2a238839a635f0573a70dda87fcb4798.pdf
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2016). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Sage Publications. https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=gX1ZDwAAQBAJ
Diquito, T. J. (2024). Basic education curriculum under the newly implemented K to 10 (MATATAG) curriculum in the philippines: the case of science education. American Journal of Education and Technology, 3(3), 123–132. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajet.v3i3.3396
Diquito, T. J., & Sangil, I. C. K. (2025). inclusive school disaster preparedness plan: giving voice to learners with special needs. Journal of Education, Learning, and Management, 2(1), 133–145. https://doi.org/10.69739/jelm.v2i1.460
Faa, L. (2020). The lived experiences of learners behind bars under the alternative learning system (ALS), the result of the study will be utilized in the development of ALS implementers framework. SSRN. http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4497930
Fontana, A., & Frey, J. H. (2005). The interview: From structured questions to negotiated text. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.) The Sage handbook of qualitative research, (3rd ed., pp. 695–727), SAGE Publication.
Giorgi, A. (2012). The descriptive phenomenological psychological method. Journal of Phenomenological Psychology, 43(1). https://doi.org/10.1163/156916212X632934
Huang, R., & Sullivan, P. L. (2021). Arms for education? External support and rebel social services. Journal of Peace Research, 58(4), 794–808. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022343320940749
Komariah, N., & Nihayah, I. (2023). Improving the personality character of students through learning Islamic religious education. At-Tadzkir: Islamic Education Journal, 2(1), 65-77. https://doi.org/10.59373/attadzkir.v2i1.15
Kumar, K. (1989). Conducting key informant interviews in developing countries. Agency for International Development. https://tinyurl.com/m377m5ja
Mamba, M., Tamayao, A., Vecaldo, R., Paat, F. M., Pagulayan, E., & Asuncion, J. E. (2021). Study orientation and college readiness among alternative learning system graduates in Northeastern Philippines. International Journal of Education and Practice, 9(2), 285-296. https://doi.org/10.18488/journal.61.2021.92.285.296
Mohzana, M. (2024). The impact of the new student orientation program on the adaptation process and academic performance. International Journal of Educational Narratives, 2(2), 169–178. https://doi.org/10.70177/ijen.v2i2.763
Njoku, E. T. (2020). Empirical research. Encyclopedia of psychology and religion, 782–783.
Pascual, E. A., Virtudez, S. M. A., & Cambia, K. C. B. (2022). Lived-experience of former ALS (Alternative Learning System) students of Nagcarlan, Laguna, Philippines. International Journal of Research Publication, 110(1), 555-569. https://doi.org/10.47119/IJRP10011011020223980
Qutoshi, S. B. (2018). Phenomenology: A philosophy and method of inquiry. Journal of Education and Educational Development, 5(1).
Republic of the Philippines. (1987). Executive Order no. 209 (The Family Code of the Philippines). Retrieved from https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1987/eo_209_1987.html
Resurreccion, A. B., Arzadon, M. M. E., Fortuna, L. C., & Mendoza, N. S. M. (2021). Research on Alternative Learning System (ALS) training and certification for students in teacher education institutions.
Sala, S. A. (2024). Alternative Learning system formal education in jail student learning experiences. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT), 765–773. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24JUN372
Salendab, F. A., & Cogo, D. A. (2022). Implementation of alternative learning system: Basis for policy review and recommendation. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(4), 5457–5467. https://journalppw.com/index.php/jpsp/article/view/4314/2853
Villamor, E. L., Gamayot, E. M., Baldon, N. R., Diquito, T. J. A., & Panerio, C. J. (2023). Development and validation of assessment tool measuring knowledge on sustainable development - basis for instructional emphasis on higher education. Journal of Tertiary Education and Learning, 1(3), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.54536/jtel.v1i3.2127
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
