Senator Win Gatchalian cited the need for a nationwide remedial program to accelerate learning recovery, following the Department of Finance (DOF) warning of economic scarring because of a prolonged lack of face-to-face classes.
Under his proposed Senate Bill No. 2355 or the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act, Gatchalian proposes well-systematized tutorial sessions for learners who are struggling to achieve the minimum level of mastery required in Language, Mathematics, and Science.
The proposed ARAL program aims to cover the most essential learning competencies on Language and Mathematics for Grades 1 to 10 and Science for Grades 3 to 10.
It also seeks to focus on reading to develop learners’ critical and analytical thinking skills. Numeracy and literacy skills will be given focus for Kindergarten learners. The proposed program also aims to target learners who did not enroll for School Year (SY) 2020-2021.
Secretary of Finance Carlos Dominguez recently said that the government must find a way to regain the school days lost due to the pandemic.
He noted that the lack of face-to-face classes will affect the quality of education and eventually the youth’s earning capacity.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) estimated that the yearlong lack of face-to-face classes will cost the Philippine economy P11 trillion in productivity losses over the next 40 years.
Based on the results of the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) where the Philippines ranked last among 58
countries in mathematics and science assessment for Grade 4 students, the World Bank has estimated that learning poverty in the country was at 90 percent in 2021. Learning poverty could worsen because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Bank warned last year. Learning poverty is defined as the percentage of children aged 10 who could not read or understand a simple story.
“The absence of face-to-face classes will not only affect the studies if children. It will also adversely affect the capability to have a good job due to failure to receive effective and quality education,” Gatchalian stressed.
“In this regard, we have been pushing for the ARAL program to give our children the chance to cope up with their education,” added Gatchalian, who is chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts, and Culture.
The pilot implementation of limited face-to-face classes started in November 2021, with 28 schools in Metro Manila joining the pilot run last December.
Following the imposition of Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, the Department of Education (DepEd) deferred the expansion of limited face-to-face classes.