SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure an adequate number of tutors for the rollout of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program as classes are set to open on June 8.

The 2026 national budget earmarked P8.9 billion for the implementation of the ARAL Program this year. The initiative is expected to benefit 6.7 million learners in Reading and 8.08 million learners in Mathematics.

The funding allocation also aims to engage around 440,000 tutors nationwide.

However, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) recently flagged delays in the hiring of ARAL Program tutors.

Among the challenges identified were delays in the release of guidelines and funding for the hiring of external tutors, forcing schools to rely heavily on volunteer tutors.

EDCOM 2 also raised concerns over the non-implementation of the ARAL Summer Program in grade levels where volunteer tutors were unavailable.

“Hindi sapat na maglaan lang tayo ng pondo para sa ARAL Program. Kailangang tiyakin din natin na may sapat at handang mga tutor, lalo na’t ang papel nila ang isa sa pinakamahalaga para sa tagumpay ng programa,” Gatchalian said.