Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has expressed support for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) planned summer rollout of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, saying it could strengthen efforts to address learning gaps among students nationwide.
Gatchalian issued the statement following DepEd’s announcement that it will conduct summer remediation classes from May 6 to June 3, targeting learners who need additional academic support under the ARAL framework.
The senator said the program is backed by P8.96 billion in funding under the 2026 national budget and is expected to benefit around 6.7 million learners, with the support of approximately 440,000 tutors nationwide.
“Mahalagang matiyak na tunay na maaabot ng ARAL Program ang mga mag-aaral na higit na nangangailangan ng tulong. Kapag epektibo natin itong naipatupad, magiging malaking hakbang ito sa pag-ahon natin mula sa krisis sa edukasyon,” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian, who authored and sponsored Republic Act No. 12028, or the ARAL Program law, emphasized the importance of proper implementation to ensure the initiative reaches its intended beneficiaries and delivers measurable improvements in student learning outcomes.
DepEd said it will also provide learning materials, teacher incentives, health services, and free meals for participating learners as part of the summer rollout.
The program forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address learning losses and improve foundational skills among Filipino students following recent disruptions in the education system.