Marcos signs ARAL Law to accelerate learning recovery

 

Highlights:

• The ARAL Program offers free academic support to students struggling with learning gaps due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• It aims to help learners improve their competencies in reading, mathematics, and science, ensuring they meet grade-level standards.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act (RA) 12028, or the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Act, into law during a ceremony at Malacañang on October 18, 2024. The ARAL Law seeks to accelerate learning recovery for students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and address widening educational gaps.

In his address, President Marcos highlighted the critical state of education in the Philippines, referencing data from the 2018 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) that revealed 75% of Filipino students were below the minimum proficiency levels in reading, mathematics, and science. He stressed the need for immediate action.

"This alarming trend remains persistent and underscores the pressing need to address the learning crisis we face today," Marcos said. "We must confront this challenge directly and prioritize learning interventions."

The ARAL Program is a nationwide initiative that supports learners who are struggling academically, including those who missed school during the pandemic, students having difficulty in reading, math, and science, and those facing challenges passing exams.

A Strategic Response to Learning Loss

“The ARAL Program is designed to help students master essential skills and recover from learning loss through structured tutorial sessions,” President Marcos explained, urging students to take advantage of the program to build a better future.

"As a father, I believe education is the greatest legacy we can pass on to our children. No material wealth can compare to the value of education," he emphasized.

Marcos also commended the tutors who will play a key role in the program, encouraging them to guide students with compassion and understanding.

The ARAL Law, which was identified as a priority by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), is a key part of the government's efforts to uplift the quality of education and improve socioeconomic outcomes in the country.

Program Details

Managed by the Department of Education (DepEd), the ARAL Program will focus on enhancing learners' proficiency in reading and mathematics for Grades 1 to 10, and science for Grades 3 to 10. Kindergarten learners will receive support aimed at developing foundational skills in literacy and numeracy.

The program offers flexible tutorial delivery options, including face-to-face, online, and blended learning formats, allowing students to participate according to their individual needs and circumstances.

Tutors and Compensation

Tutors in the ARAL Program will include teachers, para-teachers, and pre-service educators from teacher education programs. Public school teachers will be compensated under the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, following guidelines from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Para-teachers, those who have not yet passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers, will receive compensation from DepEd funds or the Special Education Fund of the Local School Board of the local government unit (LGU) where the students are enrolled.

Pre-service teachers, or education students, will gain teaching experience through the program, which will be credited when they apply for permanent teaching positions in DepEd.

Encouraging Support and Partnerships

Donations to the ARAL Program will be exempt from donor’s tax and qualify as deductible from the donor’s gross income, encouraging public and private sector participation.

"This initiative is designed to foster partnerships with those committed to improving education in the Philippines," President Marcos added.

Expanding Access to Resources

The ARAL Law mandates public telecommunications companies to provide free access to DepEd’s online learning platforms. Additionally, learners and tutors in need will receive subsidized data plans to support participation in online tutorials.

Broadcasting networks are also required to allocate airtime for supplemental educational materials, which will cover essential topics under the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum, including reading, math, and science.

By signing the ARAL Law, President Marcos reinforced the government's commitment to resolving the learning crisis, ensuring that Filipino students have access to the support they need to excel and succeed in their education.