22 employees of Megawide Precast and Construction Solutions (PCS) completed their basic education through DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS), providing them with learning opportunities in a mode that fits their distinct situations and needs.
This batch consisted of mechanics, drivers, and equipment operators from Precast, Formworks, Ready Mixed Concrete (RMC) and Construction Equipment, Logistics and Services (CELS) and they spoke about the importance of education and how it has changed their lives.
“Natutunan ko sa programang ito na ‘wag mawalan ng pag-asa sa mga pangarap ko,” said Philip Dela Cruz, a 26-year old precast worker. “Napaunlad ng ALS ‘yong mga kaalaman ko.”
“Sana magpatuloy ‘yong programa ng ALS kay Megawide para makapag-aral ‘yong mga katrabaho naming hindi rin nakapagtapos,” said Jiriel Saez, a 33-year old formworks mechanic. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga tumulong sa amin lalo na si Megawide.”
In addition to the ALS program, which focuses on primary and secondary education, the Company is also implementing:
- an AITech Partnership for internship programs;
- and the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) for college-level education.
Moving forward, this program will be offered to PCS employees’ family members, as well.
Megawide developing internal talents
“Establishing DepEd’s ALS Program was Megawide’s bid to develop internal talents,” said Voltaire Dela Rosa, Human Resources Head of PCS, noting that more than 70% of Megawide PCS employees are skilled workers who have not completed formal education.
Megawide PCS began its partnership with DepEd Rizal on the ALS program in late 2022, after two Megawide students completed their studies in the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), an alternative education program which allows learners to earn bachelor’s degrees.
“Since our vision here in Megawide is to become a First-World Philippines,” Dela Rosa explained, “We believe that the first step is to create first-world labor force by promoting a learning and growth culture. By emphasizing quality education at all levels, from primary to higher education, it can help produce a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce which can bring us closer to our vision in becoming a first-world Philippines.”
