For students who struggled to keep pace in class, this summer provides a second chance—giving learners an opportunity to catch up and move ahead.

The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to roll out expanded summer remediation programs from May 6 to June 3, aimed at helping learners recover from academic gaps and prepare for the next grade level.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that the initiative is anchored on the principle that no learner should be left behind, with targeted interventions designed to support those who need it most.

“It is our duty to make sure that every student receives adequate support. DepEd is here to help our learners improve their knowledge,” Angara said.

“With the support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are ensuring that our programs have sufficient care and direction for the better future of our youth,” he added.

At the center of the effort is the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program, which will focus on strengthening Reading and Mathematics skills for 3.7 million incoming Grade 2 to Grade 11 students.

For learners nearing graduation, the Senior High School Remediation program will cater to 2.1 million incoming Grade 12 students, ensuring mastery in English, Filipino, and Mathematics as they prepare to complete their basic education.

Meanwhile, around 141,000 learners who failed one or two subjects in the previous school year will receive targeted support through the Summer Academic Remedial Program.

DepEd said previous interventions have already shown promising results. Comparing Beginning-of-School-Year (BOSY) and End-of-School-Year (EOSY) assessments, literacy gaps narrowed by 33 percentage points in Grades 1 to 3, 16 percentage points in Grades 4 to 6, and 28 percentage points in Grades 7 to 10.

The department aims to build on these gains by mobilizing around 607,000 teachers and volunteer tutors nationwide to provide learners with the guidance and attention needed for effective recovery.

Beyond academics, the program will also include learning resources, incentives for teachers, and health support such as vision and hearing screenings, along with free meals for participating students.

Angara underscored the importance of collaboration between schools and families in ensuring the success of the initiative.

“We call on our parents and teachers to unite in this important mission. Our cooperation will serve as the strong foundation for a successful return to school for our youth,” he said.

The summer remediation effort forms part of the broader implementation of Republic Act No. 12028, or the ARAL Program Act, which Angara sponsored and co-authored during his time in the Senate. As DepEd Secretary, he also signed its Implementing Rules and Regulations in December 2024.

Under the law, tutors in the ARAL program may include licensed teachers, para-teachers granted special permits, pre-service education students, retired teachers, and other qualified individuals who demonstrate competence in the subjects they will teach, as well as proficiency in various teaching methods.

Through these interventions, DepEd seeks to ensure that learners who fall behind are given not just support—but a real chance to catch up, recover, and succeed.