DepEd's remedial program faces 2027 budget cut with zero funding allocation

MANILA — The Department of Education's Aral Program, designed to help students overcome academic deficiencies, will not receive any budget allocation in 2027, Education Secretary Sonny Angara disclosed during the House committee on appropriations' review of DepEd's proposed spending plan.

Angara's statement during Monday's hearing highlighted a significant gap in the government's response to the country's ongoing education quality challenges. The Aral Program serves as DepEd's primary intervention tool for addressing skills gaps that accumulate as students progress through their schooling.

The budget cut comes amid persistent concerns about learning losses and achievement gaps in Philippine schools, particularly following extended classroom closures. Education officials have previously identified remedial education as critical to helping students catch up with curriculum requirements.

The zero allocation for the remedial program raises questions about how the department plans to address documented learning deficiencies without dedicated funding. DepEd has not yet issued a detailed explanation for the budget decision or outlined alternative strategies for skills remediation in the coming year.

The 2027 National Expenditures Program still requires congressional approval before implementation.