While most students are spending their summer vacation at home, some children in Dagupan City are returning to school to strengthen one essential skill: reading.

The Schools Division Office of Dagupan City has launched the ARAL Program for students identified before the break as struggling readers, aiming to improve their reading comprehension before classes resume.

Teachers are using more interactive and modern teaching methods to keep children engaged during the sessions.

“Malaking bagay ito para ma-improve ang learning capability ng mga bata,” Engr. Conrad De Vera, Project Development Officer 1 of Juan P. Guadiz Elementary School, said.

Parents have also welcomed the initiative, saying the program helps children who need closer guidance in reading.

Judilyn Aguinaldo, a mother of four with two children currently in school, said teaching reading at home has been difficult for her.

“Maganda po kasi natutukan po talaga ang mga bata, matuto po mga anak namin,” Aguinaldo said.

The Department of Education hopes the ARAL Program will help improve the reading comprehension and overall learning performance of participating students before the next school year begins.