The Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines continues to strengthen its Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program with the latest guidelines outlined in DepEd Memorandum No. 061, s. 2026. A key focus of this update is the expanded engagement options for external ARAL tutors, providing schools with flexible modalities to meet learner needs effectively.
This blog post dives deep into the various engagement pathways for external tutors, highlighting important resources such as Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) templates and sample Local School Board (LSB) resolutions that schools can use to formalize partnerships and funding arrangements.
Why External ARAL Tutors Are Essential
External tutors play a vital role in supplementing the academic recovery efforts of public schools, especially when internal resources are limited. They bring additional expertise and capacity to support learners in critical subjects like Reading, Science, and Mathematics.
The 2026 DepEd memorandum recognizes this by providing multiple engagement options that comply with applicable laws, qualification standards, and deployment procedures, ensuring quality and accountability.
Overview of Engagement Modalities for External ARAL Tutors
According to the memorandum (page 13-14), schools may engage external tutors and support aides through any of the following modalities:
1. Engagement of Pre-Service Teachers
Schools are encouraged to partner with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs), and Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) to deploy pre-service teachers as volunteer tutors or support aides. This collaboration is governed by mutually agreed institutional policies and MOAs.
- MOA Template Access: Schools can download the MOA template for pre-service teacher engagement here: https://bit.ly/ARALTemplatesMOA-PSTs
The MOA contains minimum provisions and allows for additional terms that benefit learners. Pre-service teachers remain compliant with their respective institutions’ policies while supporting academic recovery.
2. Engagement through Special Education Fund (SEF)
Local School Boards (LSBs) may allocate funding support for external ARAL tutors through the Special Education Fund (SEF), also known as the Omnibus Guidelines on the Use of SEF.
- This funding can cover remuneration for para-teachers, communication expenses, and other program implementation costs.
- Sample LSB Resolution: Schools can access a relevant sample LSB resolution for SEF funding here: https://bit.ly/Sample-LSBReso
This modality ensures sustainable financial support for engaging qualified external tutors.
3. Engagement through Adopt-A-School Program (ASP)
Under Republic Act No. 8525, the Adopt-A-School Program encourages private entities to assist public schools by providing quality education support.
- School heads may enter into MOAs with private entities under the ASP.
- These MOAs are subject to guidelines on documentation, reporting, and review by the Schools Division Superintendent (SDS).
- The partnership is effective for two years and may be extended upon mutual agreement.
This approach leverages private sector resources to enhance academic recovery efforts.
4. Engagement through Other National Government Programs
Schools may also establish partnerships with government agencies, state universities, and public institutions to engage external tutors.
- Examples include programs like “Tara, Basa!”, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) tutoring initiatives, Government Internship Program (GIP), and others.
- These partnerships may involve qualified tutors, support aides, interns, volunteers, and pre-service teachers.
This modality promotes convergence and resource sharing across government programs.
Key Considerations for Schools
- For all engagement options other than the Call for Applications, school heads must secure an Authority to Engage from the Schools Division Office (SDO) before entering into any agreement or contract.
- All engagements must comply with existing laws, qualification standards, and monitoring mechanisms.
- Schools are encouraged to explore these modalities to complement the Call for Applications and meet the required number of tutors.
Why These Resources Matter for Schools and Communities
The availability of MOA templates and sample LSB resolutions simplifies the process for schools to formalize partnerships and secure funding. This clarity helps:
- Expedite the engagement of qualified external tutors.
- Ensure compliance with legal and administrative requirements.
- Strengthen collaboration between schools, higher education institutions, local government units, and private partners.
- Sustain academic recovery programs through diversified funding sources.
Ultimately, these resources empower schools to provide consistent, quality tutoring support that improves learner outcomes.
Expanding Opportunities for Academic Recovery Support
The 2026 DepEd memorandum’s expanded engagement options for external ARAL tutors reflect a strategic, multi-sectoral approach to academic recovery. By leveraging partnerships, funding mechanisms, and clear administrative tools like MOA templates and LSB resolutions, schools can better address learning gaps and support student success.
For educators, administrators, and stakeholders, understanding and utilizing these resources is key to maximizing the impact of the ARAL Program.