As around 28 million learners return to public schools for School Year 2026-2027, Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian called for stronger efforts to address learning gaps and help struggling students catch up.
Gatchalian said the opening of classes should serve as an opportunity to strengthen the implementation of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning, or ARAL, Program, which provides tutorial sessions for learners who need additional support in mastering essential competencies.
He cited the P8.9-billion budget for the program, which aims to support 6.7 million learners in Reading and 8.08 million learners in Math. The allocation also covers the hiring of 440,000 tutors.
Gatchalian said the rollout of the three-term school calendar is also expected to support the ARAL Program, with each term set to include an end-of-term block for remediation, enrichment, co-curricular activities, teacher training, and wellness breaks.
“Sa pagbubukas ng panibagong taon ng pag-aaral, kailangang tiyakin nating nabibigyan ng sapat na suporta ang bawat mag-aaral, lalo na ang mga nahihirapang makahabol sa klase. Sa pamamagitan ng ARAL program, mas mapapalakas ang pundasyon ng mga bata sa Reading, Math, at Science upang walang mapag-iiwanan sa pagkatuto,” Gatchalian said.