Effectiveness of the "Be Your Own Boss" Program among Alternative Learning Systems (ALS) Learners in Cebu City

Abstract. Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in driving economic development, serving as a catalyst for job creation, wealth generation, and improvements in living standards. By fostering a spirit of competition, entrepreneurship enhances the quality of products and services while also diversifying the economic landscape, making it more resilient and innovative. In Cebu City, the Alternative Learning System (ALS) has introduced the "Be Your Own Boss" (BYOB) program, specifically designed to empower ALS learners with essential entrepreneurial knowledge and skills. To assess the program's effectiveness, researchers employed a quantitative, experimental research approach. The study involved two hundred thirteen (213) ALS students and ten (10) dedicated ALS teachers from various public schools within the Cebu City Division. The research used a self-administered survey questionnaire meticulously designed to assess participants' entrepreneurial knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Various statistical methods were applied to analyze the data collected. The findings revealed significant improvements in ALS learners' entrepreneurial knowledge, skills, and attitudes following their participation in the BYOB program, with all p-values < 0.01. This indicates that the program effectively addresses existing gaps in entrepreneurial education within ALS, equipping learners with crucial skills needed for self-employment and economic progress. The research strongly advocates for the continued expansion of the BYOB program throughout ALS centers in Cebu City. This strategic initiative is expected to not only bolster learners' entrepreneurial capabilities but also create enduring opportunities for self-reliance and sustainable income generation. Moreover, it is imperative to implement the proposed interventions to ensure the ongoing growth and success of this impactful project. Keywords: Alternative Learning System (ALS); Be Your Own Boss (BYOB); Cebu City; Education; Entrepreneurship