- P9B allocated for a nationwide free tutorial program, ensuring all public schools can offer learning support through dedicated tutors
- Strong focus on reading, mathematics, and science for Kindergarten to Grade 10 students, targeting core academic foundations
- Initiative aims to close learning gaps, strengthen basic skills, and better prepare students for higher education and future jobs
The Department of Education (DepEd) has allocated P9 billion to roll out its Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program across all public basic education schools this year. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the funding will support free tutorials for students who need extra help in core subjects.
Launched in September, the ARAL Program offers free tutoring in reading, mathematics, and science for learners from Kindergarten to Grade 10. The goal is to help students meet the expected learning standards for their grade level and recover from learning losses.
Speaking at a press briefing in Malacanang, Angara said the funding marks a major step forward. “For the first time, we have P9 billion so every school can hire tutors under the ARAL Program”, he said. He added that the move is urgent, as data shows many students are falling behind, especially in reading and math.
DepEd said the program focuses on strengthening foundational skills, which are critical to a child’s long-term learning and future job readiness. By providing targeted support early, the agency aims to improve classroom outcomes and reduce learning gaps nationwide.
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The ARAL rollout comes as DepEd receives a P1.015-trillion budget under the P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026, about 30 percent higher than last year. For the first time, the Philippines also met UNESCO’s global benchmark for education spending, which recommends allocating 4 percent to 6 percent of GDP to education.
The push is timely. The Philippines ranked 76th out of 81 countries in reading, math, and science in the 2022 PISA results released in December 2023. DepEd hopes the expanded tutoring program will help reverse this trend and better prepare students with essential skills for higher education and future work.
