International Journal of Education (IJE) Vol.10, No.1, March 2022 DOI: 10.5121/ije.2022.10105 57 ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM (ALS) PROGRAM GRADUATES AND LEVEL OF READINESS TOWARDS TERTIARY EDUCATION Marcelo C. Calabit University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan Cotabato, Philippines ABSTRACT The research study was about the alternative learning system (ALS) program graduates and their level of readiness towards tertiary education in the municipality of Kabacan and M'lang, Cotabato, Philippines. The study sought to answer the level of readiness of the graduates’ from the Alternative Learning System Program towards tertiary education. A descriptive-correlation method of research was utilized, such as the t-test and correlation bivariate as statistical tools with purposive sampling techniques in identifying the sample of the population. The findings revealed that there was no significant difference between the ALS learning strand/subject and the subjects taken in higher education, and that the ALS graduate was prepared to enter tertiary education. Those whose preparation will depend on their stability, promises, and aims to constitute high perseverance as they face the changing environment are more interested and eager to bind themselves entirely to achieving their intended aims by expending effort and resources to fulfill their objectives. KEYWORDS Alternative Learning System, Readiness, Out-of-School Youth, Tertiary Education, Learning Strands 1. INTRODUCTION It is a well-known truth that education is vital to the development of any country. Education is seen as a critical factor in achieving human superiority, social stability, and economic power [12][17]. Indeed, the Malaysian education system is rarely the subject of foreign comparisons, owing to the fact that Malaysian youngsters are still only required to attend school for six years. With that, a new law, the "Education Act 1996" in Malaysia, will be passed that will require compulsory schooling for eleven years [9]. It is said that neighboring countries have also implemented what is called "K to 12" as called by the Philippines. The said evident was noticed due to Malaysia's low level of performance on recent international tests, which revealed differences between Malaysia and neighboring Singapore, which is widely regarded as having one of the world's best education systems. For decades, the Philippines has been engaged in a struggle against illiteracy, placing a high value on the improvement of basic education as it pertains to the nation's growth and development [21]. Moreover, during Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's presidency, she emphasized the role of the state in accordance with the Philippine Constitution, stating that the government would provide, establish, and support adequate schooling for all Filipinos, and that such education should be available to all individuals in the state through official and informal channels [20].