Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian is pushing for the smooth implementation of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program as classes resume this year.
“As students return to school, it's crucial that the ARAL Program is executed properly. The tutorial sessions under this initiative are designed for those who are struggling, and we must ensure that no child is left behind,” Gatchalian said in Filipino.
The Department of Education earlier estimated that around three million learners require additional support to address learning losses, a situation worsened by prolonged school closures and limited access to effective remote instruction during the pandemic.
The ARAL Program, created through Republic Act No. 12028, was developed to bridge learning gaps among students in the public education system. It primarily targets Kindergarten to Grade 10 learners who have either dropped out and returned, are performing below expected proficiency levels in key subjects, or are failing in their current assessments.
The program is set to concentrate on foundational subjects — reading and mathematics for Grades 1 to 10, and an additional focus on science from Grades 3 to 10.