The Department of Education (DepEd) has included mathematics and introduced flexible tutoring into its flagship Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, DepEd made the move to build on the gains the Philippines made in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
It broadens the program to improve not only foundational reading but also core numeracy skills of students in grades 1 to 10.
‘The latest PISA results showed us that real progress is possible when we focus on foundational skills, but it also served as a clear reminder of how much ground we still need to cover,’ Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
‘With ARAL Mathematics, our goal is simple – to reach every learner, wherever they are in their learning journey. Whether a child needs help recognizing basic numbers or mastering algebraic concepts, we are building a system that gives them targeted, flexible support so no learner gets left behind,’ he added.
Under the new guidelines, ARAL Mathematics addresses learning gaps from first to 10th grade, using diagnostic profiling through the Rapid Mathematics Assessment (RMA).
Tutors will track student progress using an Individual Mathematics Intervention Plan (IMIP) to ensure tailored support. DepEd is rolling out flexible delivery options, allowing schools to offer face-to-face, online, or blended tutoring.
Sessions may be scheduled during pull-out periods in class, off-school hours, or on weekends.
DepEd expanded the program follwoing the visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Angara to Catbalogan III Central Elementary School in Samar, where they observed the impact of the ARAL Program in helping young struggling readers catch up.
Highlighting the administration’s focus on foundational basic education, Angara said that early literacy and math interventions must advance together.
‘Reading opens the door to knowledge, while mathematics builds the logic and critical thinking our youth need for the future. By combining structured practice with flexible scheduling, we are ensuring our schools have the tools to turn early learning wins into lasting academic resilience,’ Angara said.
To ensure program quality and manageable workloads, the guidelines limit tutoring groups to a ratio of 10 to 15 students per tutor to maximize individual attention.
Instruction will prioritize self-paced learning, allowing students to work independently through structured worksheets while tutors serve as facilitators rather than traditional lecturers.
Sessions are subject to time caps, limiting weekday tutoring to one hour per day, while weekend sessions for multi-shift schools may run up to two hours.
Nationwide implementation in all public schools will take effect in Term 2 of the school year 2026-2027 to give schools flexibility to finalize staffing, resources, and schedules.