SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian called for an end to the practice of student mass promotion in schools, warning that it could cause irreversible harm to learners despite the absence of an official policy allowing it.

Gatchalian said that promoting students to higher grade levels without ensuring they have achieved the required competencies undermines efforts to address the country’s education crisis and contradicts the government’s commitment to leave no child behind.

“This approach will only worsen the education crisis if it continues,” the senator said, stressing that learners must first attain the necessary level of proficiency before advancing to the next grade.

He emphasized the importance of intervention programs, such as the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, to support students who are struggling academically and help them catch up with required learning standards.

Gatchalian also urged local government units to play a more active role in education recovery efforts, particularly in strengthening programs aimed at improving reading, comprehension, and other basic skills.

“Our goal should be to ensure that learners achieve functional literacy so they can succeed in school and beyond,” he added.