President Ferdinand Marcos on Friday signed into law the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Bill which aims to address learning gaps in the country’s educational system.
“We gather to provide every child in the country with the education they deserve,” he said in a speech at the ceremonial signing at the Palace.
The ARAL law offers support to learners from Kindergarten to Grade 10 in public schools who are struggling with essential competencies or re-entering the education system after a hiatus.
It also extends help to qualified private institutions serving similarly situated students. The program will provide structured tutorials to help students catch up on missed learning, with a focus on reigniting their passion for education.
The President expressed concern over the findings from the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment, which revealed that 75% of Filipino students fell below the minimum proficiency levels in key subjects.
A recent report by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) showed a dismal bottom ranking for the Philippines – 78/78 in 2018 and 77/81 in 2022.
“It is imperative that we acknowledge this massive challenge,” he said, noting the urgency of educational reform.
The ARAL Program will involve teachers, para-teachers, and pre-service teachers as key facilitators.
To support the initiative, the government will collaborate with public telecommunications entities to offer free access to DepEd-exclusive learning platforms, along with subsidized data plans for disadvantaged learners and tutors. Broadcast networks will also air tutorial videos to supplement classroom learning.
The chief executive called on educators, parents, local governments, and national agencies to work together to ensure the program’s success.
He urged teachers to approach students with understanding and compassion, reminding them of their critical role in shaping the nation’s future.
