Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
October 18, 2024
“With the signing of the ARAL law, we embark on a definitive journey to champion the right of every Filipino child to quality education — ensuring as well that it is accessible to all,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated when he officially signed the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañan Palace.
In his speech, the President noted the alarming rate of learning crisis the country confronts today, saying that the 2018 Programme for International Assessment (PISA) reflected that 75% of Filipino learners fell below the minimum proficiency levels in Reading, Mathematics and Science. The ARAL Law shows the government’s steadfast commitment to take on this massive challenge and effect an intervention to address learning gaps for public education students from Kindergarten to Grade 10.
The ARAL Program will be implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd). It shall be tapping teachers, para-teachers and pre-service teachers to educate those who are re-entering school after a hiatus, those having difficulties in Reading, Mathematics and Science, and those who encounter challenges in passing examinations. Qualified private basic education institutions will also receive analogous support for similarly situated learners.
Tutorial sessions will likewise be conducted in three (3) flexible delivery modes, namely face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, or a blended learning approach. This ensures accessibility of learning and that all learners can participate based on their needs and circumstances.
“Learning, after all, is not confined to the four walls of a classroom. The diverse experiences that our learners encounter will endow them with the wisdom to navigate life’s complexities, the courage to venture beyond the familiar, and the confidence to confront every challenge head-on,” he said.
The Chief Executive added that the government is collaborating with public telecommunication entities for the provision of free access to DepEd-exclusive management systems — from web-based applications and online educational platforms to digital libraries and other knowledge hubs — to foster continuous learning for both students and educators. Apart from this, a portion of the mandated allotment in each broadcasting network’s daily total airtime will now be utilized for supplemental tutorial videos on essential learning competencies.
Moreover, any donation, contribution or grant made to the ARAL Program through the DepEd — whether in cash or in-kind — shall be exempt from the donor’s tax and considered allowable deductions from the donor’s gross income. This initiative is designed to encourage support and partnership from individuals and organizations dedicated to uplifting the quality of education in the country.
The President called for the support of all teachers, tutors, parents and guardians, local government units (LGUs), national government agencies and the private sector, as the success of the ARAL Program hinges upon their active participation.
“At para sa ating mga kabataan, hangad ko na gamitin ninyo ang programang ito upang makamit ninyo ang tagumpay. Bilang ama, edukasyon ang pinakamahalagang pamana na maaari naming iwanan sa inyo. Walang materyal na bagay ang makakatumbas sa halaga ng edukasyon,” he expressed.
“Let us collectively aspire to build a Bagong Pilipinas — one where education serves as the cornerstone of our nation’s progress. Through our integrated efforts, we can create a future where no learner is left behind, and every Filipino child can flourish in an increasingly complex world,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his message.
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