Funds for the Learning Recovery Plan will be included in the 2024 budget of DepEd
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has taken a proactive stance in ensuring that all programs under the “Learning Recovery Plan” will be adequately funded in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) 2024 budget. This initiative aims to address the significant learning loss and academic setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Senate Hearing on DepEd’s Budget
During a Senate hearing focused on DepEd’s budget and its attached agencies, Senator Gatchalian requested the department to provide budgetary requirements for implementing various learning recovery programs. Although DepEd has approximately P4 billion allocated under the Basic Education Curriculum, Gatchalian wants to ensure that these funds are sufficient to reach students who are most in need.
The State of Learning Poverty in the Philippines
According to the World Bank, as of June 2022, the learning poverty rate in the Philippines has reached a staggering 90.9%. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of implementing effective recovery programs to mitigate the massive impact of the pandemic on education.
DepEd’s Current Initiatives
DepEd has previously announced the implementation of the National Reading Camp, National Mathematics Program, and the National Science and Technology Program to address learning loss. Additionally, DepEd launched the National Learning Camp (NLC) during the end-of-school-year break for the School Year 2022-2023. However, participation in this program, which began its phased implementation in Grades 7 and 8, is voluntary. The program focuses on Science, English, and Mathematics.
Ensuring Effective Utilization of Funds
To maximize the use of allocated funds for learning recovery, Senator Gatchalian aims to ensure that students who have not met the required competencies will benefit the most from these interventions.
The ARAL Program Act
Senator Gatchalian has also introduced the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act (Senate Bill No. 1604). This proposed legislation aims to strengthen the implementation of learning recovery programs. It targets students who are below minimum proficiency levels in Language, Mathematics, and Science.
Conclusion
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s commitment to educational recovery is a significant step towards addressing the academic loss and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the Learning Recovery Plan and the ARAL Program Act, there is hope for a brighter educational future for Filipino students.
FAQ
- What is the National Learning Recovery Plan DepEd?
- The National Learning Recovery Plan is an initiative by DepEd to address learning loss due to the pandemic. It includes various programs like the National Reading Camp, National Mathematics Program, and the National Science and Technology Program.
- What is the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act?
- The ARAL Program Act is a proposed legislation introduced by Senator Gatchalian to strengthen the implementation of learning recovery programs in the Philippines.
- How does DepEd respond to the pandemic?
- DepEd has launched several programs and initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of the pandemic on education, including the National Learning Recovery Plan and the National Learning Camp.
