DepEd launches ARAL program to address learning crisis

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday launched the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, which aims to address the country's learning crisis and strengthen the foundational skills of Filipino learners.

The ARAL Program was simultaneously launched across the country with members of DepEd's Executive Committee (ExeCom) leading activities in various parts of the country. 

"Layunin natin sa ARAL na hindi lamang tiyakin na makakahabol ang ating mga mag-aaral na nahuhuli sa klase (Our goal with ARAL is not just to ensure that lagging students are able to cope) — we are also committed to building stronger foundational skills, because Key Stage 1 is the most critical stage in every child's development," Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a press release. 

"Kaya't lubos ang pasasalamat natin sa ating mahal na Pangulo na tiniyak na maisasabatas ang programang ito," Angara said.

(That is why we thank the President for ensuring that the proposed program would be passed into law.)

According to the DepEd, the ARAL Program will provide Kindergarten to Grade 10 learners with tutorial support in reading, mathematics, and science to help them attain the competencies expected at their grade level.

For School Year 2025–2026, the program will prioritize Reading (ARAL-Reading) for immediate assistance to learners who need it most, particularly low and high emerging readers, as well as those classified as frustrated readers.

The ARAL-Reading will begin in the second quarter of SY 2025–2026. In succeeding phases, the program will then expand to include ARAL-Mathematics (Grades 1–10), ARAL-Science (Grades 3–10), and ARAL-Summer Programs.

The ARAL tutors will include teachers, para-teachers, pre-service teachers, and other trained individuals, who will receive appropriate training and compensation. 

Further, parents and guardians will also be engaged through orientations to strengthen their role in supporting their children's learning at home and reinforcing lessons from the program.

As of September 8, the agency has identified 6,713,352 learner beneficiaries, who will be supported by 447,537 tutors and 45,084 school heads. — VDV, GMA Integrated News