DepEd launches summer programs to address student learning gaps

As part of efforts to reinforce core competencies and preparedness, the Department of Education (DepEd) will roll out expanded summer remediation programs for learners across key stages in public schools nationwide from May 6 to June 3, 2026.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said on April 21 that the initiative highlights the department’s commitment to ensuring that no learner is left behind.

“Tungkulin nating siguruhin na ang bawat mag-aaral ay may sapat na suporta. Narito ang DepEd para alalayan ang ating mga mag-aaral na mapaghusay ang kanilang kaalaman,” Angara said.

“Sa suporta ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, tinitiyak natin na ang ating mga programa ay may sapat na kalinga at direksyon para sa ikagaganda ng kinabukasan ng ating kabataan,” Angara added.

The Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program, a flagship initiative, aims to help around 3.7 million incoming Grades 2 to 11 learners improve their reading and mathematics skills.

For graduating students, the Senior High School Remediation Program will support about 2.1 million incoming Grade 12 learners in strengthening their skills in English, Filipino, and Mathematics.

Meanwhile, the Summer Academic Remedial Program will assist around 141,000 learners across different grade levels who did not meet the required grade-level standards in one or two learning areas.

DepEd reported early gains from its interventions, citing improvements in student performance.

Comparisons between Beginning-of-School-Year (BOSY) and End-of-School-Year (EOSY) assessments showed that literacy gaps decreased by an average of 33 percentage points in Grades 1 to 3, 16 points in Grades 4 to 6, and 28 points in Grades 7 to 10.

To implement the program, the agency will deploy around 607,000 teachers and volunteer tutors nationwide to deliver more individualized learning support.

ARAL tutors may include licensed teachers, para-teachers with special permits, pre-service education students, retired teachers, and other qualified individuals with proven subject competence and effective teaching skills.