Senator Sherwin Gatchalian recently emphasized the significance of recent legislative achievements in the Philippine education sector. The senator highlighted the implementation of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act and the Senate’s approval of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Act as pivotal steps forward in addressing educational challenges faced by Filipino students.
The ARAL Program, which Gatchalian strongly supported, aims to assist students from Kindergarten to Grade 10 who struggle with core subjects like reading, mathematics, and science. The program’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) were recently signed, marking a significant commitment to enhancing educational outcomes. Gatchalian described this as a transformative milestone that reaffirms the nation’s dedication to the future of its learners.
The ARAL initiative includes structured tutorial sessions led by qualified tutors, designed to ensure students achieve the necessary competencies for their respective grade levels. Gatchalian stressed that the IRR clearly outlines the Department of Education’s responsibilities in executing the program, offering hope and additional academic support to those in need.
In addition to the ARAL Program, the Senate’s approval of the ECCD Act is set to expand the National ECCD System across all provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays. This expansion aims to provide comprehensive services in health, nutrition, early education, and social development, meeting the holistic needs of young children and supporting their optimal growth.
Gatchalian, a key sponsor and co-author of the ECCD Act, underscored the importance of strengthening early childhood development, stating that it is crucial for laying a solid foundation for the youth. He emphasized the need to reach every child under five, address their health needs, and ensure their readiness for the education system.
The ECCD Act mandates the establishment of ECCD Offices in every city and municipality, which will be responsible for overseeing ECCD programs and managing child development teachers and workers. The legislation also focuses on professionalizing these roles, with mandatory training and upskilling programs to be conducted by the ECCD Council. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will offer free assessments and certifications to ensure these workers meet new standards.
Furthermore, the ECCD Council will be strengthened by its attachment to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), with a Governing Board co-chaired by the Secretaries of Education and DILG, and the ECCD Council’s Executive Director as Vice-Chairperson. These measures are designed to foster a robust foundation for the learning and development of children under five years old.