Philippines' ARAL Act Addresses Educational Gaps in Learning Recovery

In response to the pressing challenges faced by the Philippine education system, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. emphasized the urgency of educational reform during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on July 24, 2024. He highlighted the alarming statistics revealing that over half of students in Grades 6, 10, and 12 failed to achieve adequate proficiency levels in essential skills such as information literacy and problem-solving. This acknowledgment of the educational crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and years of underfunding, prompted the government to take decisive actions aimed at learning recovery and improvement in academic competencies.

The cornerstone of this initiative is the recently enacted Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Act, which establishes a comprehensive national intervention program aimed at supporting struggling learners in meeting grade-level standards. According to the Department of Education (DepEd), the ARAL program is designed to enhance student competencies in core subjects, including reading, mathematics, and science, targeting students from Grades 1 to 10. Additionally, the program aims to build foundational skills for kindergarten learners through various learning modalities, including face-to-face, online, and blended approaches.

As part of the government’s strategic plan, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara expressed optimism that the ARAL Act will significantly improve the Philippines’ performance in international assessments, such as the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). Following the disappointing 2022 PISA results, where the Philippines ranked near the bottom among 81 participating countries, the urgency of reforming the education system has become even more apparent.

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has been instrumental in highlighting the challenges facing the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP), which was adopted in 2023 under the previous leadership of Vice President Sara Duterte. EDCOM 2's Year Two report pointed out flaws in the NLRP's design, indicating that it requires significant reforms to effectively support students who need urgent assistance in foundational competencies.

In addition to the ARAL Act, the revised Senior High School (SHS) curriculum was also introduced for the 2025-2026 academic year. This curriculum revision reduces the number of core subjects from 15 to five, focusing on essential skills that will better prepare students for quality employment opportunities. Despite these reforms, concerns remain, particularly regarding the functional literacy of approximately 5.58 million high school graduates who reportedly lack comprehension skills.

Moreover, President Marcos has underscored the importance of addressing the digital divide in education. In his SONA, he called for the integration of technology in schools, including the provision of computers and reliable internet access. In response, DepEd has been pursuing initiatives to enhance digital connectivity and equip classrooms with necessary technological tools to support interactive and blended learning.

While these initiatives mark a significant step towards recovery, experts warn that sustained investment and accountability are crucial for long-term success. As the education sector navigates these reforms, the upcoming SONA will be closely scrutinized for further commitments and strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of education in the Philippines. The road ahead remains challenging, but the government’s current actions reflect a determined effort to uplift the educational landscape for future generations. The implications of these reforms extend beyond academic performance, potentially influencing the socioeconomic landscape and overall development of the nation.

In conclusion, the ARAL Act and revised SHS curriculum represent a pivotal moment in the Philippines’ educational reform journey. As the nation seeks to recover from the setbacks of the pandemic and improve its global standing in education, the effectiveness of these initiatives will be critical in shaping the future of Filipino learners.