UMVA has learned that a major concern is unfolding in the Philippines' education sector, where the Department of Education has acknowledged that current funding for its Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program falls short.
The program, aimed at addressing learning gaps among students nationwide, has been plagued by a lack of designated tutors, sparking concerns over its effectiveness. The Department of Education has admitted that the available budget is insufficient to cover all requirements, and is working to maximize its resources to support schools.
The ARAL Program has been allocated a significant portion of the Department of Education's 2026 budget, with P8.94 billion set aside for the initiative. However, only a fraction of these funds have been assigned for learning materials and resources, raising questions about the program's ability to deliver on its promises.
Despite the allocation of P1.09 billion in existing ARAL funds and an additional PHP1.77 billion for teaching and learning resources, concerns persist over the program's implementation. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers has criticized the Department of Education for failing to provide designated tutors, leading to a significant workload increase for public school teachers.
The situation has sparked a heated debate, with educators and advocates calling for greater support for teachers and learners. The Department of Education has responded by clarifying that tutorial sessions conducted by public school teachers will be counted toward their teaching load, and that teachers who work as tutors will be entitled to teaching overload pay.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara has emphasized the Department's commitment to advancing learning recovery while ensuring adequate support for teachers. The agency has established safeguards to limit daily teaching overload and ensure that teachers are properly compensated for any additional services rendered.
As the ARAL Program expands to benefit 6.7 million learners nationwide, concerns over its implementation and funding persist. The Department of Education's efforts to address these challenges will be closely watched, as the success of the program hangs in the balance.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Department of Education is working to address the concerns, with a focus on supporting both learners and teachers. The agency's reforms aim to transform the education system, but the road ahead will be crucial in determining the program's impact.
