A Teacher's Destiny in the Alternative Learning System

Marissa Fajardo never imagined that her calling would lead her to the classrooms of the Alternative Learning System, but she now calls it her destiny. The dedicated ALS teacher shared her inspiring journey on i-Listen with Kara David, airing on GMA Public Affairs last March 4, 2026, revealing both the challenges and immeasurable rewards of reaching learners often forgotten by the formal education system.

Fajardo admitted to experiencing moments of exhaustion throughout her years as an educator. The demands of teaching outside traditional classrooms—often in community centers, barangay halls, or even under makeshift shelters—take their toll. Yet despite the physical and emotional fatigue, she pushes forward, driven by a purpose deeper than any paycheck could provide.

"Gusto ko talagang makakita ng mga estudyanteng umuuwi na may graduation na," Fajardo expressed on the program, capturing the essence of what fuels her daily sacrifice. The joy she feels when her learners don their graduation robes is something she describes as beyond payment, a sentiment that resonates deeply with viewers witnessing her genuine commitment to her students' success.

Reaching Every Filipino Learner, Regardless of Age

What sets Fajardo apart is her unwavering belief that education knows no age limit. Among her diverse students is a remarkable 75-year-old learner who chose to return to school—not for himself, but to become an inspiration for his own grandchildren. This extraordinary story, highlighted by World Vision, exemplifies the transformative power of Fajardo's approach to teaching.

The philosophy driving Fajardo's work echoes the core principle of the Alternative Learning System: "Sa edukasyon, walang dapat maiiwan kahit ano pa ang kalagayan." In a country where many adults were forced to leave school early due to economic hardship or family responsibilities, ALS teachers like Fajardo serve as beacons of hope, proving that the path to literacy and certification remains open for everyone.

The Exhaustion and the Calling

Like many educators in the Philippines, Fajardo faces systemic challenges—limited resources, remote teaching areas, and the emotional weight of guiding learners through years of missed education. The journey from alphabet basics to high school equivalency is long, and not every student completes it. Yet Fajardo treats each case as a calling, not just a job requirement.

"Destiny" is how she describes her role as an ALS teacher. This word carries weight coming from someone who has witnessed countless learners walk through her doors—young parents balancing childcare with studies, overseas Filipino worker families seeking education upon return, and elderly citizens refusing to accept that their chance at learning has passed. For Fajardo, every student represents a story of resilience, and she sees herself as the bridge connecting them to their goals.

Celebrating Filipino Educators Beyond the Classroom

The feature on i-Listen brings much-needed attention to ALS teachers, whose contributions often go unnoticed in mainstream education discourse. While public school teachers receive government recognition and union support, ALS educators work in relative obscurity, funded through partnerships with organizations like World Vision and the Department of Education's Bureau of Learning Delivery.

Fajardo's story reminds the Filipino public that education reform begins not in policy papers but in the hearts of teachers willing to meet learners where they are. Her message—that no one should be left behind in education regardless of circumstance—echoes the nation's own commitments to inclusive development.

As the feature continues to reach Filipino households, educators and advocates hope it sparks greater support for the Alternative Learning System, ensuring that more teachers like Fajardo receive the resources they need to guide the next generation of graduates.