17/09/2026
“ALS KA LANG!” 🎓🇵🇭
“Your educational journey may be different, but different does not mean inferior.”
Once questioned because of his Alternative Learning System (ALS) background, Ameer Jian Araque went on to secure admission opportunities from 51 colleges and universities in the Philippines and abroad, along with 12 scholarship opportunities.
Ameer, the youngest of three siblings, is now pursuing a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English. His educational journey was far from conventional. As an ALS graduate, he encountered people who made him feel that his background would limit how far he could go.
“May mga nagsabi pa sa akin na ‘ALS lang,’ as if that one thing already determined what I could and couldn’t achieve.”
Instead of allowing those words to define him, Ameer continued his education and began applying to colleges and universities—at one point even asking himself, “May tatanggap ba sa akin?”
Then the acceptance letters came.
Among the institutions that offered him opportunities were Adamson University, National University, Trinity University of Asia, University of Northern Philippines, Cagayan State University, Philippine Women’s University, University of the Cordilleras, Southville International School affiliated with Foreign Universities, and several PHINMA schools.
His international opportunities included the Florida Institute of Technology, University of Canberra, Carthage College, University of Bridgeport, and Bradley University.
His scholarship opportunities included awards from several PHINMA institutions, a full grant scholarship from FAITH Colleges, a US$12,500 Panther International Scholarship from Florida Institute of Technology, and a US$15,000 Presidential Scholarship from the University of Bridgeport.
“Honestly, I was flabbergasted. I never expected that someone like me, coming from a non-traditional educational background, would receive that many opportunities.”
For Ameer, every acceptance became proof that a different educational path does not automatically mean fewer possibilities.
He dedicates his achievements to his family, particularly his mother, whose sacrifices and support helped him continue pursuing his goals, as well as to the teachers who strengthened his confidence throughout his education.
Today, Ameer proudly carries his identity as an ALS graduate.
“I started as someone people called ‘ALS lang.’ Now, I’m here—still learning, still dreaming, and still proving that there is no limit to where your story can take you.”
To fellow ALS learners and students who may feel left behind, his journey carries one message:
Keep going. Keep applying. Keep believing in yourself, even when other people don’t.
Different does not mean inferior—and your starting point does not determine how far you can go.
Padayon, Future Iskolar ng Bayan! 🌻🇵🇭
