The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the enactment of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act, signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on October 16, 2024.
Republic Act No. 12028, known as the ARAL Program Act, aims to address the educational challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing structured tutorial sessions and learner-centered interventions for students from Kindergarten to Grade 10 in the public education system.
CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc expressed full support for the government’s initiative, recognizing it as a timely measure to tackle the current education crisis.
Palpal-latoc emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges students faced during the pandemic and acknowledged the government’s efforts in implementing programs to mitigate these issues.
The ARAL Program focuses on essential learning competencies in reading and mathematics for Grades 1 to 10, and science for Grades 3 to 10.
It prioritizes learners who have returned or are returning to school after a leave of absence, those with below-minimum proficiency levels in key subjects, and students who have failed assessments during the school year.
Commissioner Beda A. Epres, CHR Focal for Children and the Youth, highlighted the program’s potential to boost the morale of struggling students, encouraging perseverance in their studies and contributing to personal growth and self-esteem.
The CHR is optimistic that the ARAL law will enhance the Philippines’ global educational standing, particularly in light of previous assessments indicating the need for improvement in Math, Science, and reading proficiencies.
The Commission anticipates that the law will promote children’s right to quality education, fostering their personal development and dignity.
