Gatchalian urges DepEd to rollout ARAL Program ahead of school reopening

With the new school year approaching, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the Department of Education (DepEd) on May 29 to immediately implement the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program to curb worsening learning gaps among Filipino students.

Gatchalian, the principal author of RA 12028 or the ARAL Program Act, warned that further delays could worsen the learning crisis caused by years of educational disruption.

“We cannot afford delays. Every learner left behind is a missed opportunity for the country’s future,” he said.

Gatchalian also noted that time is running out for students still grappling with foundational skills.

Citing DepEd’s estimation, he noted that around three million students nationwide continue to require academic support due to prolonged educational disruptions.

Gatchalian stressed that ensuring timely implementation is crucial in helping students recover and avoid being permanently left behind.

“Sa pagbabalik-eskwela ngayong taon, mahalagang maipatupad natin nang maayos ang ARAL Program. Kailangan nating tiyakin na may sapat na tutors para matulungan ang mga estudyanteng nangangailangan,” he emphasized.

The ARAL Program mandates a free, national learning intervention initiative focused on assisting students from Kindergarten to Grade 10.

It targets students who are below the minimum proficiency levels in reading, mathematics, and science, as well as those returning to school or at risk of failing their subjects.

For Grades 1 to 10, the program will focus on reading and math, while science will also be integrated for students in Grades 3 to 10.

To make this initiative work, Gatchalian stated the urgent need to deploy enough tutors and para-teachers who can provide direct academic support to struggling students.

He also highlighted that tutorial sessions should be conducted through different flexible learning modes such as face-to-face classes, online instruction, and blended approaches, depending on the specific needs and circumstances of the students.