CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — A total of 2,934 Alternative Learning System (ALS) graduates and 850 Government Internship Program (GIP) beneficiaries received financial and food assistance from the Provincial Government of Pampanga during the Culminating Activity and Ceremonial Graduation held Tuesday morning, January 20, 2026, at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.
Each graduate received ₱2,000 in financial aid and food packs as part of the province’s efforts to support learners and young workers transitioning to higher education, employment, or public service.
The activity was led by Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, with members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and representatives from DOLE, DepEd, TESDA, and ALS.
Governor Pineda said the assistance goes beyond recognizing academic and program completion.
“Hindi na kayo kailanman mamaliitin ng iba, dahil nakapag-aral na kayo,” she said.
She added that immediate support helps ease financial burdens and allows graduates to focus on improving their lives and opportunities for their families.
DOLE officials said the aid supports broader employment and education initiatives, especially for ALS completers pursuing further studies or decent work.
Many GIP beneficiaries have also been absorbed by government offices and partner institutions, including the Provincial Government of Pampanga, after serving as Guro sa Nayon teachers for ALS learners and as encoders for provincial medical missions.
A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of an 81-year-old Aeta beneficiary from Porac, Pampanga, the oldest ALS secondary graduate in this year’s batch.
“Bago ako mawala, gusto kong makapag-aral. Malaking bagay ito para malaman ang aming mga karapatan bilang katutubo para hindi kami maloko,” he said.
The assistance distribution underscores Pampanga’s commitment to inclusive development through education, employment, and social support.
