PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Law to tackle learning gaps worsened by the pandemic.

Marcos signed the law on Friday (18 Oct 2024) at Malacañang Palace, witnessed by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Rep. Roman Romulo, and other members of Congress and Department of Education officials.

The ARAL Law, a priority measure of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, aims to establish a national learning intervention program to help struggling learners meet the required standards for their grade levels.

Angara praised the law’s passage, emphasizing its importance in addressing the current challenges in education.

“This law reflects our shared commitment to improving education in the Philippines. Through ARAL, we can support students in regaining their academic footing and reaching their learning goals,” Angara said.

According to the Department of Education, the program will focus on improving student competencies in key areas, including reading and mathematics for Grades 1 to 10, and science for Grades 3 to 10.

For Kindergarten learners, the ARAL Program will emphasize building foundational skills to strengthen literacy and numeracy.