In a country where learning gaps have widened due to the pandemic and prolonged school closures, the ARAL Program Act emerges as a major intervention. But before we discuss its full benefits, we must first ask: Who exactly qualifies for this program?
Many have skimmed past Section 4: Coverage of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), but this section holds the key to understanding who truly stands to benefit from the government's intensified learning recovery campaign. Let's explore this provision not as a formality, but as a critical step toward educational equity.
🏫 Who Are Included in the ARAL Program Coverage?
According to DepEd’s IRR of the ARAL Program Act, the coverage includes learners from Kindergarten to Grade 10 in public basic education institutions, including those enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS). But this isn’t as general as it seems—it targets specific learner profiles.
The first group includes those returning to school after a furlough—students who had to leave school temporarily or involuntarily and have since re-enrolled. In the Learners’ Information System (LIS), these are referred to as “Balik-Aral” learners. But before they can officially be considered as such, there must be documented proof of their previous enrollment in recognized institutions. If they haven’t been tagged yet, the school must facilitate it based on established records.
📉 Struggling Students Are Prioritized
A central focus of the ARAL Program is to assist those who are performing below minimum proficiency levels in core subjects like reading, mathematics, and science. These levels are not arbitrarily set—they are determined by nationally approved assessments, which DepEd will clarify through future issuances.
This includes students who are:
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Failing both formative and summative classroom assessments
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Underperforming based on other tools or teacher evaluations over the school year
As highlighted in a UNESCO report, early intervention for learners who are lagging behind is crucial in preventing long-term academic failure. The ARAL Program follows this principle by offering timely support to those showing signs of struggle.
🌞 Summer Isn’t Just for Vacation Anymore
Interestingly, the ARAL Program doesn’t exclude students who are doing relatively well. Learners who meet the minimum proficiency may still be allowed to join supplemental classes, such as the National Learning Camp (NLC) during summer or year-end breaks. However, in cases where resources are limited, priority will still be given to those with the most need, as defined in the earlier provisions.
This reflects DepEd’s tiered intervention model, where assistance is tailored based on academic standing, as also supported by studies from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) on targeted educational programs.
🏛️ Can Private School Students Join Too?
Yes—but there’s a catch.
The law allows similarly situated learners in qualified private schools to participate in the program upon request, provided they meet the same qualifications. However, in cases of limited slots, the Educational Service Contracting (ESC) beneficiaries will be prioritized.
According to DepEd, this system ensures that public resources are maximized without excluding students who rely on government-subsidized private education. Guidelines on how these students and their schools can officially join the ARAL Program will be issued separately, with criteria like school size, incorporation type, and other factors.
📝 Why Coverage Matters in Education Reform
Far from being a technicality, the Coverage clause of the ARAL Program IRR is a blueprint for inclusion. It identifies who the system sees as needing urgent support—and how that support can be administered fairly.
As emphasized by UNICEF, inclusive education policies that clearly define their target groups tend to yield stronger, more measurable impacts. The ARAL Program appears to follow this best practice by ensuring that vulnerable learners are not left behind.
