The Department of Education’s Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, which reduced struggling readers from 6.7 million to 2.2 million in its first year, faces a major funding shortfall in the proposed 2027 budget.
The House allocated only ₱350 million for the program, about 2% of the ₱15.68 billion DepEd says it needs for tutoring in reading, mathematics, and science.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara asked senators to increase funding to cover tutor payments, learning materials, training, and other support for students.
Angara also sought a larger overall education budget to fund teacher hiring, classroom construction, school feeding, and mental health programs.
Meanwhile, Sen. Bam Aquino said senators aim to raise education spending to 4% of the country’s gross domestic product, in line with international recommendations.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 17, 2026
