Aral Now, Lead Later

The findings from the Program for International Student Assessment, or PISA, which is run by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, go beyond an assessment of reading; they also measure our capacity to understand what we read. The news was very serious in effect. The Philippines attained one of the lowest rankings in terms of reading comprehension and

understanding. This score served as a warning to our education system.

On this basis, the Department of Education established the Aral Program, also referred to as the Alternative Learning System. It was not intended as a replacement for formal schooling but rather as a bridge. The aim is straightforward: to provide young people who are not in school, adults who did not complete their education, and students with weak literacy skills with a second opportunity to learn how to read, understand, and think critically.

According to Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, our 2025 PISA scores in science, mathematics, and reading have increased. Because the Aral Program focused on the specific weakness that PISA had identified: comprehension skills. By providing concentrated reading sessions, training teachers, and using updated teaching materials, the students at last received the additional support they required. While one positive outcome doesn't solve all problems, it does show that intervention is effective when we are committed to it.

Others claim that the Aral Program has no effect and refer to it as a "patchwork solution". However, genuine change requires time, since literacy cannot be achieved in a single semester and individuals have different rates of learning. For those who learn more slowly, this program is the spark of hope that it is still possible for them to catch up – that they can still read a paragraph and understand it.

We shouldn't depend solely on the Aral Program; it is also necessary to address the underlying causes such as overcrowded classrooms, the lack of books, and learning loss. However, while we are carrying out these long-term reforms, our students can't afford to wait. That is why the Aral Program provides them with assistance at this time.

PISA's results revealed to us two major facts: firstly, the crisis is real, and secondly, our proposed solutions can succeed. By funding, supporting, and improving programmes such as Aral, we will not only increase test scores but also bring about a generation that is able to read, understand, and lead.

Yes, the journey ahead will still be a long one, but thanks to the Aral Program, our hopes are greater and much more lighter now. If we take action at this time, the next generation of Filipinos will not only recover but will actually take leadership.