Extension of the 2025 Accreditation & Equivalency (A&E) Test Registration

The Department of Education (DepEd) has released an important announcement on 13 November 2025 regarding the extension of the 2025 Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test Registration. This update is crucial for ALS learners, Test Registration Officers (TROs), school divisions, and regional offices across the Philippines.

Due to class and work suspensions caused by Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan, DepEd has adjusted the timelines to ensure that all activities related to the A&E Test registration and data submission can be completed smoothly and accurately.

This blog post breaks down the advisory in a clear, reader-friendly format for students, educators, and parents in the Philippines.

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What Is the A&E Test and Why It Matters

The Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test is part of DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS). It provides an opportunity for out-of-school youth and adults to earn an official certification equivalent to Elementary or Junior High School level.

Passing the A&E Test opens opportunities such as:

• Enrolling in Senior High School

• Applying to Technical-Vocational programs

• Gaining better employment qualifications

• Pursuing further education

The extension period gives more learners time to complete requirements and register properly.

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Why DepEd Extended the Registration Period

DepEd extended the registration schedule in response to:

• Weather disturbances, specifically Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan

• Interrupted operations in several regions

• The need for more time to validate, evaluate, and consolidate documents

This extension ensures that all learners—especially those affected by the typhoons—still have fair and equitable access to ALS services and the A&E Test.

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Updated Schedule for the 2025 A&E Test Registration

Below is the simplified breakdown of the revised timeline:

1. Test Registration

• Original: September 29 – November 21, 2025

• Extended: November 21 – December 5, 2025

2. Submission of Enclosure Nos. 3 and 4 by Division Testing Coordinators and ALS Focal Persons

• Original: November 24, 2025

• Extended: November 24 – December 10, 2025

3. Submission of Validated and Consolidated Enclosure No. 4 (by RTCs and Regional ALS Focal Persons to BEA)

• Original: November 28, 2025

• Extended: November 28 – December 16, 2025

This extension allows all involved offices to complete their tasks accurately despite the recent disruptions.

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Key Roles and Responsibilities

DepEd clarified the responsibilities of specific personnel during the registration period:

Education Program Specialist II for ALS (EPSA) / Division ALS Focal Person

Will serve as the Test Registration Officer (TRO) responsible for:

• Registering A&E Test applicants

• Checking and evaluating documentary requirements

Division Testing Coordinator (DTC)

• Oversees the registration process

• Ensures proper evaluation of documents

• Assigns support staff when needed

Regional ALS Focal Persons and Regional Testing Coordinators (RTCs)

• Prepare and consolidate the list of testing centers

• Submit final counts of registrants per level

• Submit reports to the Bureau of Education Assessment (BEA) in Excel and PDF formats through this link:

👉 https://tinyurl.com/2025AETestAllocation

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Why This Advisory Matters to ALS Learners and Educators

This updated schedule is important because:

✔ More time to complete documents

Some areas experienced delays due to severe weather, making it difficult to gather or submit requirements earlier.

✔ Smoother processing for DepEd offices

Divisions and regions can properly evaluate documents without rushing.

✔ Ensures no learner is left behind

ALS is designed to be inclusive—and this extension supports that goal.

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Tips for ALS Learners Registering for the 2025 A&E Test

To avoid delays, learners are encouraged to:

✔ Prepare all documentary requirements early

Typically needed: birth certificate, ID, previous school records (if any), barangay certificate, and completed forms.

✔ Visit your nearest ALS or DepEd Division Office promptly

Avoid last-minute crowds and ensure assistance is available.

✔ Keep digital copies of documents

Useful in case of typhoon-related damage or loss.

✔ Follow official DepEd announcements

Only trust information from verified DepEd and ALS channels.

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The extension of the 2025 A&E Test Registration gives learners and DepEd field offices the necessary time to complete all requirements affected by recent typhoons.

This advisory reflects DepEd’s commitment to making the Alternative Learning System more accessible, resilient, and learner-centered.

If you or someone you know plans to take the A&E Test this 2025, make sure to take advantage of the new registration timeline and prepare all requirements as early as possible.

Edukahon: How DepEd’s School Recovery Kit Helps Teachers and Learners After Disasters

When classes are disrupted by typhoons, floods, or earthquakes, many Filipino teachers and learners are left wondering: paano na ang klase? Thankfully, the Department of Education (DepEd) has created Edukahon, a standardized school recovery kit that will be provided and deployed nationwide to ensure learning continues even during disasters.

Click here to read DepEd Memorandum No. 86, Series 2025

What Is Edukahon?

Edukahon is an official DepEd emergency education response package launched in 2025. It is not just a plan—it is a funded program that will be rolled out in all DepEd offices, schools, and community learning centers across the Philippines.

Here’s why it matters:

• DepEd recognizes that disasters can’t stop the right to education.

• Funding for Edukahon will come from the Basic Education Curriculum funds.

• Kits will be prepositioned and rapidly deployed by DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) together with regional and division offices.

Simply put, DepEd will provide these kits to schools, teachers, and learners depending on their needs and the type of disaster they face.

Edukahon for Schools

Schools often take the hardest hit during disasters. Edukahon for Schools ensures quick recovery so classes can resume.

• Basic Package (₱2,625)

  • Whiteboard or blackboard

  • First Aid Kit (bandages, alcohol, iodine, gauze, etc.)

  • Solar-powered portable battery (100,000 mAh)

  • Solar-powered lamp

  • Megaphone or portable public address system

• Plus Package (₱130,623)

  • Everything in the Basic package

  • School chairs and foldable tables

  • Smart TV or projector for digital learning

  • Nutritious food cookbook

  • Heavy-duty waterproof canopy tent (3x6m)

  • Starlink Mini (portable Wi-Fi router)

✅ DepEd will provide these packages, depending on the scale of damage in schools.

Edukahon for Teachers

Filipino teachers are known for their resilience, but after disasters they need immediate support. Edukahon for Teachers is designed to help them teach again right away.

• Basic Package (₱1,109)

  • Chalk, markers, erasers

  • Notebooks, bond paper, ballpoint pens

  • Flash drive

  • Hygiene kit

• Plus Package (₱15,061–₱45,061)

  • Everything in the Basic package

  • Laptop or tablet (choice)

  • Powerbank

  • Headphones

  • Flashlight with batteries

  • Go Bag with vest, whistle, and survival foods

  • Reusable water bottle, utensils, collapsible cup/bowl

✅ DepEd will distribute these directly to teachers so they can recover quickly and continue lessons.

Edukahon for Learners

Learners are the most vulnerable during calamities. Edukahon for Learners ensures they receive both academic and personal essentials.

• Basic Package (₱780)

  • School supplies (pens, pencils, crayons, papers, folders, ruler, scissors, glue, sharpener)

  • Hygiene kit (face masks, toothbrush, wipes, powder, sanitary pads)

  • First aid items (bandages, cotton balls, alcohol, iodine, gauze, whistle)

  • Kids’ slippers and rain gear

  • Flashlight with batteries

• Plus Package (₱8,749–₱39,248)

  • Everything in the Basic package

  • Laptop or tablet (choice)

  • Powerbank

  • Survival foods

  • Emergency utensils

✅ DepEd will provide these to students, especially those in hardest-hit areas.

Risk-Specific Edukahon

DepEd also created Risk-Specific Edukahon kits, customized for schools facing frequent floods or earthquakes/volcanic eruptions.

• For Floods

  • Basic (₱4,815): Emergency go bags, hygiene kits, survival foods, clothing, portable radios.

  • Plus (₱80,053): Everything in Basic + tents on stilts, retractable tents, walkie-talkies, rescue boats, and clearing equipment.

• For Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions

  • Basic (₱3,965): Trauma kits, go bags, hard hats, hygiene kits, radios, and survival clothing.

  • Plus (₱80,053): Everything in Basic + large retractable tents, walkie-talkies, and clearing/repair equipment.

✅ These will be deployed by DepEd in high-risk communities to keep learning spaces safe.

Why Edukahon Matters to DepEd Teachers

Teachers in the Philippines often go beyond their role as educators—they become caregivers, counselors, and community leaders during disasters. Edukahon helps them by:

• Giving ready teaching supplies so lessons don’t stop.

• Ensuring their personal safety with go bags and survival kits.

• Providing access to digital tools for flexible learning.

For teachers who have had to use chalk on plywood or teach under trees, Edukahon offers much-needed relief and dignity.

Personal Insight

When I first learned that DepEd will officially provide Edukahon kits, I felt relief for our teachers and students. I’ve seen too many teachers using their own money to replace supplies after a typhoon. This program is a clear message that DepEd is serious about supporting education, no matter what challenges we face.

A Step Toward Safer and Smarter Schools

Edukahon is more than just a box of supplies—it’s DepEd’s promise of preparedness and care. By funding, preparing, and deploying these kits nationwide, DepEd ensures that learning continues even in the toughest times.

What do you think—should DepEd expand Edukahon further so every classroom has its own mini-kit? Share your thoughts in the comments!

🤝 THE POWER OF COMMUNITY: How Stakeholder Support Boosts the ARAL Program’s Impact on Learning Recovery

The ARAL Program (Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning) of the Department of Education (DepEd) is more than just a government response to pandemic-induced learning gaps. While most discussions focus on the students and teachers, a deeper and often overlooked narrative reveals that stakeholder support, especially from LGUs, parents, and government agencies, plays a transformative role in this initiative. This blog takes a fresh, community-centered perspective on RULE VII of the ARAL Program’s implementing rules and regulations, showcasing how collaborative governance and grassroots involvement are shaping the future of Philippine education.

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🏛️ Local Government Units: The Hidden Engines Behind Learning Recovery

Contrary to the usual belief that DepEd bears the sole responsibility for implementing educational programs, Section 21 of Rule VII recognizes that Local Government Units (LGUs) are key actors in educational recovery. According to Republic Act No. 11292, also known as the Seal of Good Local Governance Act of 2019, LGUs that actively support learning recovery initiatives like ARAL can elevate their performance metrics in sustainable education.

This means LGUs are no longer just passive supporters. They now:

• Promote the ARAL Program within their jurisdiction

• Identify and refer potential tutors, especially from higher education institutions

• Encourage parents to enroll their children in the program

• Provide safe learning environments for face-to-face tutorials

These responsibilities make LGUs integral stakeholders. In fact, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), LGU engagement in education reform not only improves student outcomes but also fosters community resilience and inclusivity.

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parental Involvement: The Silent Pillar of ARAL’s Success

Section 22 emphasizes that parents and parent-substitutes are primary resources in the education of children, echoing the principles outlined in Republic Act No. 11908, the Parent Effectiveness Service Program Act.

Parents are not mere observers. Their roles are vital, especially when schools transition into home-based learning modes. Here's how they contribute beyond the classroom:

• Facilitating home learning activities

• Maintaining regular communication with tutors and schools

• Creating an environment conducive to self-paced learning

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with DepEd and LGUs, also provides home learning support programs to train and empower parents. This shows a strong recognition that parental involvement directly correlates with student achievement, especially in marginalized communities.

According to a study published by UNESCO, children whose parents actively participate in their learning are more likely to show significant improvement in literacy and numeracy.

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🤝 Partnerships Beyond DepEd: Strengthening the Whole-Education Ecosystem

Section 23 breaks the myth that only education-specific institutions should support learning recovery. DepEd is now open to collaborations with other government agencies, NGOs, and private sectors—provided these align with national laws and ethical standards.

This inclusive and multi-sectoral approach means organizations involved in healthcare, youth development, nutrition, digital technology, and even transportation can become part of the ARAL learning ecosystem.

For example:

• The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) can enhance internet connectivity for remote learners.

• TESDA can help train tutors in specialized areas.

• Private tech companies can donate learning devices or sponsor connectivity.

By expanding the stakeholder network, DepEd ensures that the ARAL Program is not only scalable but also resilient and holistic—moving beyond academic remediation to include emotional, physical, and social support for learners.

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🌟 Rethinking ARAL: A Community-Driven Movement, Not Just a Government Program

The new wave of education under the ARAL Program challenges the old model of top-down implementation. It thrives through a web of partnerships—with LGUs acting as logistical anchors, parents becoming co-educators, and various stakeholders filling gaps in resources and capacity.

As per the World Bank’s 2023 report on Learning Recovery, “Education recovery is most successful when it becomes a shared responsibility across the whole community, not just the education system.”

So, the real strength of the ARAL Program lies not just in its policy but in its people—citizens, officials, and families alike—committed to uplifting every learner.

📚 PHIL-IRI Reading Materials for Grade 7–10 Group Screening Test & Pre-Test Download 🔍

In the drive to strengthen reading proficiency among Filipino students, the Department of Education (DepEd) continues to implement the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (PHIL-IRI). The PHIL-IRI Grade 7–10 Group Screening Test and Pre-Test are essential components of this literacy monitoring program. But beyond viewing these as mere diagnostic tools, it's time we recognize their deeper role in shaping a responsive and inclusive learning environment.

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📖 Reframing the Purpose of PHIL-IRI in Secondary Education

Many educators see the PHIL-IRI Group Screening Test as a simple pre-assessment before diving into the school year. However, taking a different perspective reveals that it serves as a reflection of how our reading instruction aligns with learners' contexts. This test doesn't merely detect who can or cannot read—it unearths the gaps in vocabulary exposure, comprehension skills, and reading fluency that students have accumulated through the years.

According to the Bureau of Learning Delivery – Teaching and Learning Division (DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2018), the PHIL-IRI aims to gather accurate data on students’ reading levels to guide instruction. While elementary levels receive the most focus, implementing it in Grades 7 to 10 bridges the transition from learning to read to reading to learn.

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🧠 Why the Group Screening Test Matters Before the Pre-Test 📋

The PHIL-IRI Group Screening Test for Grades 7–10 acts as a filter to determine which students will proceed to the individualized pre-test. This not only makes the process more efficient but ensures that learners get a tailored intervention plan. For schools with limited reading teachers or overloaded schedules, this grouping becomes a lifesaver.

However, beyond efficiency, it fosters inclusive education. The screening allows teachers to spot learners who may be silently struggling, especially those from marginalized backgrounds who may not voice their concerns or request additional support.

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💾 Where to Download PHIL-IRI G7–G10 Group Screening Test and Pre-Test Files (Free & Official)

Many teachers and school reading coordinators search online for “PHIL-IRI Grade 7–10 group screening test and pre-test download.” It’s crucial to obtain the most updated and official copies to avoid misalignment with DepEd standards. As of the latest update, the materials are available through the DepEd Commons, Learning Resource Portal, and some regional offices' official sites.

According to DepEd’s Learning Resources Management and Development System (LRMDS), these resources are designed to reflect authentic Filipino texts and are localized for language and culture relevance. Always verify that your downloaded copies carry the DepEd watermark and document code.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PHIL-IRI Reading Materials for Grade 7–10 Group Screening Test & Pre-Test

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🧩 A Call to Action: From Assessment to Advocacy

We often forget that the PHIL-IRI Pre-Test isn't just a formality. It’s a mirror of the systemic challenges our learners face—from overcrowded classrooms to lack of reading materials at home. The results should inspire not only remediation but also literacy advocacy across subject areas.

Teachers are encouraged to share results with subject teachers, guidance counselors, and even parents. Creating multi-stakeholder reading interventions is more effective than isolated efforts. As UNESCO emphasizes, literacy is not the sole responsibility of the English teacher but a cross-curricular mission.