DepEd seeks Congress' backing for separate pay for ARAL teachers

The Department of Education (DepEd) is seeking congressional support to amend the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Law, aiming for a separate compensation scheme for teachers serving as ARAL tutors. The agency stated that clear legal authority and adequate funding are prerequisites for providing additional pay. Education Secretary Sonny Angara acknowledged the extra work undertaken by teachers under the learning recovery program but emphasized the need to adhere to existing laws and budgetary constraints. "DepEd’s position is clear: we want to support and recognize the additional work of our teachers in the ARAL Program. However, we also must comply with the law and the funds allocated to us. We will provide compensation if there is a clear legal basis and sufficient budget for it," Angara stated. According to DepEd, Republic Act No. 12028, or the ARAL Law, along with the 2026 General Appropriations Act, currently permits compensation for DepEd teachers acting as ARAL tutors only through overload pay after they have completed the mandated six hours of classroom teaching. The 2026 national budget does not include a separate appropriation that would enable compensation for ARAL tutors irrespective of their regular teaching load. The department has studied potential compensation schemes, estimating that a uniform-rate payment would require approximately P4.307 billion, while compensation based on the prime hourly teaching rate would necessitate at least P7.266 billion. These options would necessitate amendments to the ARAL Law and corresponding appropriations beginning School Year 2027–2028. For School Year 2026–2027, DepEd will continue implementing the ARAL Program under the current legal framework. Teachers may receive overload pay or vacation service credits, while external tutors can be compensated based on approved guidelines and available funds. Angara reiterated DepEd's commitment to the learning recovery program and ensuring fair recognition for teachers. "We will not abandon learners who need additional academic support, nor will we neglect the welfare of the teachers helping them. What is needed is sound policy, a clear legal basis, and adequate funding to ensure the program is implemented sustainably and fairly," he said. DepEd will continue coordinating with Congress, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and other agencies to strengthen the ARAL Program's implementation and provide technical inputs should lawmakers pursue amendments to the law. Source: GMA News Philippines