Teacher named DepEd Hero for helping out-of-school youth for 20 years

MANILA, Philippines — As the country marks World Teachers’ Day on Monday, the Department of Education (DepEd) recognized a community-based teacher in Pampanga for nearly two decades of work providing education to out-of-school youth and other underserved communities.

Allan Delos Reyes, a Master Teacher II and Alternative Learning System (ALS) teacher at Minalin Elementary School in Pampanga, was among those honored.

The DepEd Heroes ceremony took place last week at President Corazon C. Aquino National High School in Pasay City.

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Among the initiatives Delos Reyes developed was Project C.O.A.S.T.A.L.S., or “Eskwela sa Palaisdaan,” which brings lessons to children of fisherfolk in coastal communities.

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He also developed Education Behind Bars, which provides learning opportunities to persons deprived of liberty, former rebels, and children in conflict with the law.

Another initiative, Project kALSada, is a municipality-funded mobile classroom that delivers ALS modules to remote communities in Minalin, Pampanga.

“This is not an award meant to stay in our home. It’s a reminder that there are more youth, more learners waiting for me every day, who are excited to learn relevant lessons which can be built into a better future,” Delos Reyes said.

Education technology firm Frontlearners Inc., represented by President Leo De Velez and CEO Maria Elaine De Velez, was also recognized during the ceremony.

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The recognition was held alongside DepEd’s national ceremony honoring schools and education partners whose efforts contributed to the Philippines’ improved performance in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA.

READ: PH improves rank in international education assessment

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READ: ACT: Higher Pisa scores due to teachers, students, parents

“The Filipino talent is as competitive as any other nationality in the workforce,” De Velez said.

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“We said we’ll dedicate our talent, resources, and whatever means we have to help our education sector, DepEd, schools, and anyone who has the heart to keep uplifting the quality of education in the Philippines,” she added. /mcm