To: Regional Directors
Bureau Directors
Schools Division/City Superintendents
Heads, Public and Private Schools

1. With the development of the Nonformal Education Accreditation and Equivalency (NFE A&E) System, thousands of Out-of-School (OSY) and adults from the most impoverished sectors of the Filipino society now have an alternative means to improve their basic education skills and competencies as a pathway to a better tomorrow. Examinees who successfully complete/pass the secondary level NFE A&E test will receive a secondary level equivalency certificate comparable to that of the formal school system. This Certificate will enable them to enter or re-enter the world of work and enroll in four to five-year course and post-secondary vocational training.
2. In order to address the learning needs of NFE A&E learners wishing to enter college, the Bureau of Nonformal Education (BNFE) developed a range of supplementary bridging courses to provide interested learners with skills and competencies in higher Mathematics, Advanced Science, English and Filipino if they are to cope with the demands and entry requirements of college education.
3. The mechanics/procedures in the implementation of the Academic Focused-Bridging Program (AFBP) vis-a-vis the curriculum to be used, target learners, learning materials, learning processes, roles of Service Providers, instructional managers, funding sources, among others, are contained in the enclosure.
4. Immediate dissemination of and compliance with this Order is directed.

Encl.: As stated
References:
DECS Orders: Nos. 20, 22 and 28, s. 1999
DECS Memoranda: Nos. 533, s. 2000; 344, s. 2001; and 101, s. 2002 Allotment: 1—(D.O. 50-97)

To be indicated in the Perpetual Index under the following subjects:
CERTIFICATE
CURRICULUM
NONFORMAL
EDUCATION POLICY

DO_s2003_08