ARAL Program Guidelines 2026: How the Philippines Is Tackling Learning Recovery

Education systems worldwide are grappling with the aftershocks of disrupted learning. From pandemic-related setbacks to systemic inequities, students in critical subjects like reading, science, and mathematics often fall behind grade-level expectations. The Philippines’ Department of Education (DepEd) has taken a bold step forward with the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, mandated by Republic Act No. 12028.

While this initiative is rooted in the Philippine context, its principles resonate with global audiences—including educators, parents, and policymakers in the United States—who are equally invested in bridging learning gaps.

Read DepEd Memorandum No. 001, Series 2026 to learn more.

What Is the ARAL Program?

The ARAL Program is a targeted learning recovery initiative designed to provide structured academic support to learners who need intervention. It focuses on three critical subject areas:

• Reading – foundational literacy skills

• Science – inquiry-based learning and critical thinking

• Mathematics – numeracy and problem-solving

Tutors and support aides are engaged to deliver both instructional and non-instructional assistance, ensuring that learners not only catch up but thrive.

Why This Program Is Timely

The ARAL Program acknowledges that learning loss is not just a local issue—it’s a global challenge. In the U.S., similar conversations are happening around learning recovery programs, tutoring initiatives, and equitable access to education. By standardizing tutor engagement and support aide roles, DepEd is creating a model that other countries can learn from.

Key Definitions You Should Know

To understand the ARAL Program, here are some important terms:

• Tutors – Individuals (teachers, para-teachers, pre-service teachers, licensed professionals, or qualified graduates) who provide focused tutorial support to small groups or individual learners.

• Support Aides – Volunteers who assist with non-instructional tasks such as logistics, preparation of materials, or program-related activities.

• Tutorial Sessions – Personalized learning gatherings, either one-on-one or small group, designed to help learners practice and apply concepts.

How Schools Determine the Need for Tutors and Support Aides

Schools Division Offices (SDOs) and schools follow clear parameters:

• Learners are assessed to identify those below proficiency.

• Tutorials are ideally conducted at a 1:5 teacher-learner ratio (up to 1:15 if resources are limited).

• Schools report tutor needs per grade level and subject area.

• Support aides are assigned proportionally to assist tutors and learners.

This structured approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently.

Functions and Responsibilities of Tutors

Tutors are expected to:

• Deliver structured sessions in reading, math, and science.

• Contextualize lesson plans to learner needs.

• Track progress and update records.

• Coordinate with teacher-advisers.

• Conduct sessions within prescribed durations (max one hour on weekdays, two hours on weekends).

Importantly, external tutors engaged under job orders can count this as relevant teaching experience when applying for permanent teaching positions.

Functions and Responsibilities of Support Aides

Support aides play a crucial role in:

• Assisting tutors during sessions.

• Helping with program-related activities (e.g., vision screening, feeding programs).

• Providing logistical and operational support.

• Volunteering under direct supervision of the school head.

Selection and Engagement Process

The process is transparent and standardized:

1. Call for Tutors – Schools issue a memorandum outlining qualifications, functions, and timelines.

2. Minimum Qualifications – Tutors must have relevant educational backgrounds, competency in teaching, mandatory training, and good moral character.

3. Preferred Qualifications – Experience in tutoring, residence in the community, and subject specialization.

4. Documentary Requirements – Expression of intent, personal data sheet, proof of eligibility, moral character certification, transcripts, and training certificates.

5. Screening Committee (SC) – Reviews applications, conducts interviews, and finalizes lists for approval.

Training and Capacity Building

To ensure quality, tutors and school leaders undergo professional development programs focusing on:

• Learner-centered pedagogy

• Psychological first aid

• Handling diverse learner needs

• Effective use of educational technologies

This aligns with the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) and mirrors global best practices in teacher training.

Administrative Requirements

Tutors and aides must comply with:

• Daily Time Records (DTRs) – To validate hours rendered.

• Monthly Accomplishment Reports – Documenting learners served and progress achieved.

• Orientation and Documentation – Ensuring accountability and transparency.

Remuneration and Incentives

DepEd recognizes the importance of fair compensation:

• Teaching Personnel – Eligible for overload pay, vacation service credits, and certificates of engagement.

• External Tutors – Paid based on the prime hourly teaching rate of a Teacher I position, plus certificates of engagement.

• Support Aides – Recognized through certificates of voluntary service or incentives from sponsoring agencies.

Monitoring and Reporting

The program is continuously monitored under the Basic Education Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (BEMEF). Reports include:

• Number of tutors and aides engaged

• Remuneration details

• Challenges and recommendations

This ensures evidence-based decision-making and accountability.

Transitory Provisions

For continuity:

• Existing tutors and aides are recognized until contracts expire.

• Within 30 days, schools validate qualifications and align engagements with new standards.

• Renewals strictly follow updated guidelines.

Why U.S. Readers Should Care

Though the ARAL Program is Philippine-specific, its structured approach to learning recovery offers lessons for U.S. educators and policymakers. With American schools also facing learning gaps, the ARAL framework demonstrates how clear guidelines, standardized processes, and community involvement can make tutoring programs more effective.

The ARAL Program is more than a local initiative—it’s a blueprint for learning recovery that resonates globally. By combining structured tutor engagement, volunteer support, training, and accountability, it addresses learning gaps in a way that other education systems can adapt.

For U.S.-based readers, this is a reminder that education recovery is a shared challenge—and solutions can be inspired by efforts across the globe.

📑 Frequently Asked Questions on the SALN (Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth)

1. Features of the SALN Form

• What are the important features of the SALN form?

1. The SALN form has been made user-friendly so it is easy to fill out.

2. Its legal basis is RA No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) only, because it is the later law compared to RA No. 3019 (Anti-Graft Corrupt Practices Act).

3. There is a portion where spouses who are both government employees may indicate whether they are filing jointly or separately.

4. In the declaration of real properties, the form requires the exact location of the property.

   • ASSETS → Real Properties → DESCRIPTION | EXACT LOCATION

5. The form clarifies that the Assessed Value and the Current Fair Market Value should be based on what is stated in the Tax Declaration of Real Property.

   • ASSESSED VALUE | CURRENT FAIR MARKET VALUE

6. Several portions of the previous form have been removed like the amount and sources of gross income, amount of personal and family expenses and amount of income taxes paid, all of which were required to be declared under RA No. 3019.

7. The declaration of nature of real properties is no longer required.

8. The subcategories (tangible, intangible) under personal properties were removed.

9. In the present form, the identification of relatives is required to be ‘to the best of my knowledge’; all other declarations are required to be ‘true and detailed’.

2. Filing of the SALN and Declarant Information

• Joint filing of spouses in government service: Both are considered declarants. The signature portion shall indicate “Spouse/Co-declarant.”

• If spouse is not in government service or declarant is unmarried: Tick the box “Not applicable.”

• Uniformed personnel: Indicate rank, not designation.

• Meaning of ‘living in declarant’s household’: Actual presence in the residence of the declarant.

• Dependent children studying away from home: Still included in the declaration.

3. Declaration of Real Properties

• Assessed and fair market value: Based on tax declaration from the Assessor’s Office.

• If no tax declaration exists: Indicate “N/A.”

• Inherited properties: Declare share with acquisition cost as zero.

• Land assets inherited from grandparents: Acquisition cost is zero.

• Co-owned property: Declare only the portion allotted to the declarant.

• Ceiling on property price: None under RA 6713.

4. Declaration of Properties and Assets

• Preselling property payments: Declare amount paid as equity/interest under personal property.

• House under construction: Declare as improvement under real property with expenses incurred as acquisition cost.

• Property purchased but no title yet: If Deed of Absolute Sale exists, declare it.

• Land improvements on land not owned: Declare improvements even if land is not under declarant’s name.

• Property acquired through rights: Ownership basis must be title or Deed of Sale.

• Insurance policies: Declare under personal properties (amount paid).

• Pensions: Declare as cash on hand or in bank.

• Shares of stock: Declare acquisition cost, not current value.

5. Declaration of Personal Properties, Earnings, and Income

• Earnings from other sources/private practice: Form part of cash on hand or in bank.

• GSIS contributions: Not required to be declared.

• Variable life insurance: Declare premiums paid as acquisition cost.

• Annual salary: Declare as cash if still with declarant as of December 31.

• Pets and plants: Considered personal properties.

• Minimal valued properties: Must be declared, can be grouped collectively.

• Burden of declaring all properties: Not burdensome since similar items can be declared in bulk.

6. Declaration of Properties by Public Officials

• Ceiling on property price: None.

• Failure to declare in previous years but rectified later: Officials must always make a true declaration.

• Depreciated properties: Must be disclosed (depreciation cost not considered).

• Destroyed properties: Need not be declared.

• Vehicles and unusable properties still in possession: Must be declared.

• Installment purchases:

  • Contract to sell → Declare under Personal Property (amount paid as of Dec 31).

  • Deed of Sale with mortgage → Declare under Real Property (purchase price in deed).

  • Personal properties on installment → Declare acquisition cost depending on contract type.

• Spouse and children’s properties: Required under RA 6713.

7. Spouse’s Assets and Exclusive Properties

• Spouse in private sector owning stocks: Must be declared.

• Spouse with inherited properties before marriage: Must be declared unless exclusive property under Family Code or Civil Code.

  • Exclusive property under Family Code (post-1988):

    1. Property acquired during marriage by gratuitous title.

    2. Property for personal and exclusive use (except jewelry).

    3. Property acquired before marriage with legitimate descendants from former marriage.

  • Exclusive property under Civil Code (pre-1988):

    1. Property brought into marriage.

    2. Property acquired during marriage by gratuitous title.

    3. Property acquired by redemption, barter, or exchange.

    4. Property purchased with exclusive money of either spouse.

8. Declaration of Liabilities

• Credit card liabilities: Declare outstanding balance as of Dec 31.

• Personal loans and creditors: Must be declared.

• Insurance policy balances: If policy has cash value, declare balance as liability.

• Utility bills, tuition fees, hospitalization costs: Declare if outstanding as of Dec 31 (fare excluded).

• Negative net worth: Acceptable if truthful.

• Marital status change during filing year: Status reflects preceding year (still single if marriage occurred during filing year).

9. Business Interests and Financial Connections

• Difference between financial connection and business interest:

  • Business interest → Ownership in enterprise.

  • Financial connection → Consultant/advisor roles with remuneration.

• Closed businesses: Must be declared if they existed during the reporting year.

10. Relatives in Government Service

• Extent of fourth civil degree:

  • 1st degree consanguinity → Parents, children.

  • 1st degree affinity → Parents-in-law.

  • 2nd degree consanguinity → Siblings, grandparents, grandchildren.

  • 2nd degree affinity → Siblings-in-law, grandparents-in-law, grandchildren-in-law.

  • 3rd degree consanguinity → Uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews.

  • 3rd degree affinity → Nephew-in-law, niece-in-law, uncle-in-law, aunt-in-law.

  • 4th degree consanguinity → First cousins.

• Inso, balae, bilas: Required under RA 6713.

• Elected officials as relatives: Must be declared as they are considered government employees.

11. Signature and Oath

• Basis of requiring spouse’s signature: Spouse’s properties must be disclosed.

• Spouse in private sector: Still required to sign.

• Separated spouses (fact or legally): Still required to sign.

• Spouse refusal to sign: Attach explanation.

• Spouse in remote location: Signature required; if not possible, attach explanation.

• Unemployed spouse: Not exempted from signing.

• Authorized oath administrators: Head of agency or delegated officer; notary public also allowed.

• Administering officer need not be a lawyer.

12. Filing and Deadlines

• Alternative filing methods: Electronic filing, digital signatures, courier, or snail mail allowed under CSC Resolution No. 2100339.

• Deadlines:

  • April 30 → Submission to head of agency.

  • June 30 → Transmission to repository agency.

Understanding the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN): A Guide to Transparency and Accountability

Public trust in government often hinges on transparency. One of the most important tools for ensuring accountability among public officials is the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). While this requirement is specific to the Philippines, the principles behind it—financial disclosure, ethical governance, and accountability—resonate globally, including in the United States.

This blog post explores the features of the SALN, its legal basis, and why it remains a cornerstone of public service integrity.

What Is the SALN?

The SALN is a sworn declaration required of public officials and employees in the Philippines. It details:

• Assets: Real properties, personal properties, investments, and other holdings.

• Liabilities: Loans, mortgages, credit card debts, and other obligations.

• Net Worth: The difference between assets and liabilities.

• Business Interests and Financial Connections: Any ties to enterprises or organizations.

• Relatives in Government Service: Disclosure of family members up to the fourth civil degree.

This comprehensive form ensures that public officials remain transparent about their financial standing, preventing conflicts of interest and discouraging corruption.

Legal Foundation of the SALN

The SALN is grounded in Republic Act No. 6713, also known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. This law requires honesty and integrity in public service.

Key points include:

• RA 6713 supersedes older laws like RA 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).

• Officials must declare assets truthfully and in detail.

• Spouses and dependent children’s assets must also be disclosed if they live in the household.

Features of the SALN Form

The SALN form has evolved to be more user-friendly and precise. Some notable features include:

• Joint or Separate Filing for Spouses: Couples in government service can file jointly, with both considered declarants.

• Exact Property Location: Real properties must include specific addresses.

• Assessed and Fair Market Values: Based on tax declarations from local assessor’s offices.

• Simplification: Older requirements like gross income and family expenses have been removed.

• Identification of Relatives: Required “to the best of knowledge,” ensuring honesty without overburdening declarants.

Declaring Real Properties

Real properties are a major part of the SALN. Declarants must provide:

• Description and Location

• Assessed Value and Fair Market Value

• Acquisition Cost

Special cases include:

• Inherited Properties: Declared with acquisition cost as zero.

• Co-owned Properties: Only the declarant’s share is listed.

• Properties Under Construction: Declared as improvements with expenses incurred.

• Preselling Payments: Declared as equity or interest under personal property.

Declaring Personal Properties

Personal properties range from vehicles to stocks, insurance policies, and even pets. The SALN requires:

• Acquisition Cost: The amount paid, not current market value.

• Minimal Valued Properties: Books, plants, or collections can be declared in bulk.

• Insurance Policies: Premiums paid are declared as acquisition cost.

• Pensions: Declared as cash on hand or in bank.

Liabilities and Net Worth

Transparency isn’t just about assets—it’s also about debts. Declarants must list:

• Credit Card Balances

• Personal Loans and Creditors

• Utility Bills and Tuition Fees (if outstanding as of December 31)

• Insurance Policy Balances

Net worth is then calculated by subtracting liabilities from assets. Importantly, a negative net worth is acceptable as long as it is truthful.

Business Interests and Financial Connections

Officials must disclose:

• Business Interests: Ownership in enterprises.

• Financial Connections: Roles such as consultant, advisor, or board member. Even closed businesses must be declared if they existed during the reporting year.

Relatives in Government Service

The SALN requires disclosure of relatives up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity. This includes:

• Parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren.

• In-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles, and aunts. This ensures transparency in potential nepotism or conflicts of interest.

Signatures and Oath

The SALN must be signed by both the declarant and their spouse, even if the spouse is unemployed or in the private sector. If a spouse refuses to sign, an explanation must be attached.

The oath can be administered by the head of agency, a delegated officer, or even a notary public.

Filing Deadlines and Submission

There are two critical deadlines:

• April 30: Submission to the head of agency.

• June 30: Transmission of all SALNs to the repository agency.

Electronic filing and digital signatures are allowed under CSC Resolution No. 2100339, especially during exceptional circumstances.

Why the SALN Matters Globally

While the SALN is unique to the Philippines, the principle of financial disclosure is universal. In the U.S., similar mechanisms exist through ethics filings, tax disclosures, and conflict-of-interest statements.

For citizens everywhere, these tools build trust, ensure accountability, and safeguard democracy.

Transparency Builds Trust

The SALN is more than paperwork—it is a safeguard against corruption and a symbol of integrity in public service. For U.S. readers, it offers a glimpse into how other nations enforce accountability, reminding us that transparency is a shared democratic value.

GSIS Touch Makes Retirement Filing Fully Digital: What It Means for Modern Public Service Systems

The shift toward fully digital government services is no longer a future goal—it is already happening. As of today, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) of the Philippines has officially enabled retirement and life insurance filing through the GSIS Touch mobile app, allowing members to complete transactions anytime, anywhere, straight from their smartphones.

This development reflects a broader global trend toward paperless, mobile-first public service delivery, similar to how government agencies in advanced economies are modernizing pension, insurance, and benefits systems. For GSIS members, especially those preparing for retirement, this change removes long-standing barriers such as long queues, manual paperwork, and repeated office visits.

---

📱 What Is GSIS Touch and Why It Matters Today

GSIS Touch is the official mobile application of the Government Service Insurance System, designed to give members direct access to essential services using their mobile devices. With the newly launched feature, retirement and life insurance claims can now be filed digitally, eliminating the need for physical submission in most cases.

This upgrade aligns with modern expectations for secure, on-demand digital services, where users expect government platforms to function with the same ease as banking or insurance apps. From a global perspective, this move places GSIS alongside institutions that are rethinking how public sector services should work in a mobile-driven world.

---

🧾 Retirement Filing Without Long Queues or Paper Forms

For decades, retirement filing was often associated with paperwork, in-person verification, and extended waiting times. The new GSIS Touch feature changes that experience entirely.

Members can now:

• File retirement claims directly through the app

• Submit required information digitally

• Track progress without visiting a GSIS office

This system is particularly helpful for retirees living outside major urban centers or those who prefer remote transactions. It also mirrors international best practices where digital identity verification and online benefits processing are becoming standard.

---

⚙️ How the GSIS Touch Retirement Feature Works

The process is designed to be simple, intuitive, and mobile-friendly, even for users who are not highly tech-savvy.

Here’s how it works:

1. Download or update the GSIS Touch app from the App Store or Google Play

2. Log in using your registered credentials

3. Select the retirement or life insurance filing option

4. Complete the guided digital form

5. Submit and monitor your claim status in-app

The interface follows a clean design approach, similar to global fintech and public service apps, ensuring accessibility and ease of use.

---

🌍 A Quiet but Powerful Step Toward Global Digital Standards

While GSIS is a Philippine institution, this development quietly reflects international standards in digital governance. Many countries, including those with advanced pension systems, are moving toward:

• Mobile-based benefits management

• Reduced physical office dependency

• Faster processing through automation

By enabling retirement filing via GSIS Touch, the agency demonstrates how emerging digital public infrastructure can deliver efficiency without sacrificing security or accountability.

---

🔐 Security, Convenience, and Member Trust

Digital transformation raises understandable concerns about data protection. GSIS Touch addresses this by integrating secure login systems, identity validation, and encrypted transactions—features commonly found in global banking and insurance platforms.

For members, this means:

• Personal data is protected

• Transactions are traceable

• Claims are processed with transparency

Trust is critical in retirement and insurance services, and GSIS Touch positions itself as a secure channel for these life-stage transactions.

---

📈 Why This Update Is Important for Future Retirees

Filing for retirement is one of the most significant administrative steps in a person’s life. Simplifying this process through mobile technology reduces stress and uncertainty.

Key benefits include:

• Faster claim initiation

• Less physical effort, especially for senior members

• Clearer documentation flow

In many developed systems, digital retirement filing is already standard. GSIS adopting this model signals readiness for future-forward public service delivery.

---

🚀 Download, Update, and Experience Hassle-Free Transactions

Members are encouraged to download or update the GSIS Touch app to access the latest features. The ability to file retirement and life insurance claims digitally marks a major milestone in GSIS service modernization.

As public institutions worldwide continue to embrace digital tools, GSIS Touch shows how mobile technology can transform essential services into experiences that are efficient, accessible, and member-centered.

❗ Misinformation Alert: No, Classes Will NOT Resume on January 12, 2026

In recent days, a viral post has been circulating on social media claiming that the resumption of classes in the Philippines has been moved to January 12, 2026 due to an extended Christmas vacation. This information, however, is false.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially clarified that the correct resumption of classes is January 5, 2026 (Monday), in accordance with DepEd Order No. 12, s. 2025. Any online content stating otherwise is considered fake news and should not be shared.

This article breaks down the official announcement, explains why misinformation spreads so easily online, and provides guidance on how readers—both in and outside the Philippines—can verify education-related updates responsibly.

---

✅ Official DepEd Announcement: January 5, 2026 Is the Confirmed Date

According to the Department of Education of the Philippines, classes will officially resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. This schedule follows the approved School Calendar and Activities for School Year 2025–2026, as outlined in DepEd Order No. 12, s. 2025.

DepEd has emphasized that no announcement has been made extending the Christmas break until January 12, 2026. The circulating graphics and posts suggesting otherwise are unauthorized and misleading.

For accuracy and transparency, DepEd urges the public to rely only on its official website and verified social media accounts for announcements affecting students, teachers, and schools.

---

🚨 Why the January 12, 2026 Claim Is Fake News

The misinformation likely gained traction because it uses official-looking layouts, logos, and formatting, making it appear legitimate at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, these posts lack:

• A valid DepEd memorandum number

• Direct links to official DepEd releases

• Confirmation from DepEd’s verified platforms

Fake announcements often thrive during school breaks when parents, students, and teachers are actively searching for updates. This makes vigilance even more important.

---

📚 Understanding DepEd Order No. 12, s. 2025

DepEd Order No. 12, s. 2025 serves as the legal and administrative basis for the school calendar. It clearly specifies:

• The approved academic schedule

• Holiday breaks and class resumptions

• School activities and adjustments

As of today, there have been no amendments or superseding orders changing the January 5, 2026 resumption date.

Anyone can access the official document directly through DepEd’s website to confirm the information firsthand.

---

🌐 Why This Matters to a Global Audience

While this announcement primarily affects Philippine schools, it also matters to a wider, international audience—especially:

• Filipino families living abroad

• Educators collaborating with Philippine schools

• Organizations monitoring education systems in Southeast Asia

In an era where information crosses borders instantly, verifying sources is a universal responsibility. False school announcements can disrupt planning, travel, academic coordination, and even work schedules for families overseas.

---

🛑 How to Spot and Avoid Education-Related Misinformation

To protect yourself and others from fake news, keep these best practices in mind:

✔ Check the Source

Only trust announcements from official DepEd platforms, not screenshots or reuploads.

✔ Look for a Memo or Order Number

Legitimate announcements always reference a DepEd Order or Memorandum.

✔ Avoid Sharing Unverified Posts

Even well-designed graphics can be misleading if they are not officially released.

✔ Visit the Official Website

DepEd regularly publishes updates on its website, which remains the most reliable source.

---

📢 DepEd’s Call: Be Critical, Be Responsible

DepEd reminds the public to be mapanuri (critical) when consuming online content. Sharing false information—whether intentional or not—can create confusion and unnecessary concern among students, parents, and educators.

By verifying before sharing, each individual plays a role in maintaining information integrity in the digital space.

---

🔗 Where to Find the Official School Calendar

For those who want to review the complete and official school calendar, DepEd has made the document publicly available through its website. This ensures transparency and allows stakeholders to plan ahead with confidence.

Always prioritize primary sources over viral posts.

DepEd Order No. 036, s. 2025 Explained: New Rules on Communication Expense Reimbursement

The Department of Education (DepEd) has officially released DepEd Order No. 036, s. 2025, setting updated guidelines on the payment of communication expenses for its officials and employees. With digital communication now essential to governance and school operations, this Order aims to rationalize, regulate, and standardize how postpaid lines and prepaid loads are provided and reimbursed across all DepEd offices nationwide.

This blog post breaks down the key provisions of the Order in simple terms—who is covered, how much is allowed, and what employees need to know to stay compliant.

---

What Is DepEd Order No. 036, s. 2025?

DepEd Order No. 036, s. 2025 provides the official guidelines on the payment and reimbursement of communication expenses for authorized DepEd personnel. It aligns with DBM Budget Circular No. 2024-2, ensuring prudent use of government funds while supporting efficient communication in delivering quality education.

The Order takes effect retroactively from January 1, 2025 and repeals earlier issuances, including DepEd Orders from 2019 to 2025 related to communication expenses.

---

Why the New Guidelines Matter

Communication is now a core part of education management—whether coordinating with schools, responding to urgent concerns, or managing programs. According to DepEd, mobile phones, postpaid plans, and prepaid loads are no longer optional tools but operational necessities.

These guidelines ensure that:

• Communication expenses are not treated as allowances, but as reimbursable official expenses

• Usage is regulated and capped, depending on position

• Public funds are spent judiciously and transparently

---

Who Is Covered by the Order?

The guidelines apply to authorized DepEd officials and employees from:

• Central Office

• Regional Offices

• Schools Division Offices

• Public elementary and secondary schools

⚠️ Important: Personnel under Contract of Service (COS) or Job Order (JO) arrangements are not eligible for communication expense reimbursement.

---

Allowable Communication Expenses

DepEd may provide either postpaid lines or prepaid loads, subject to reimbursement or liquidation procedures. Each authorized position has a maximum monthly ceiling, depending on designation and office level.

Examples include:

• Secretary: up to ₱8,000/month

• Undersecretary / Assistant Secretary: up to ₱5,000/month

• Regional Director: up to ₱3,000/month

• Schools Division Superintendent: up to ₱2,500/month

• School Heads / Principals: up to ₱1,000/month

• Education Program Supervisors & District Supervisors: up to ₱800/month

For “other authorized staff,” reimbursements are subject to strict caps (generally not exceeding ₱1,500 per employee), depending on office authorization and fund availability.

---

Payment Based on Actual Work Performance

Reimbursement depends on the number of days actually worked in a month:

• 1–5 days: 25% of the monthly ceiling

• 6–11 days: 50%

• 12–16 days: 75%

• 17 days or more: 100%

Only days considered “actual work performance” under DBM rules are counted.

---

Special Cases to Note

• OIC or Acting Capacity: Entitled only if designation lasts 16 calendar days or more

• Foreign Travel: Actual communication expenses may be reimbursed beyond the ceiling, with proper documents

• Project Engagements: Employees cannot claim communication expenses from both DepEd funds and project funds at the same time

---

Documentary Requirements and Claims Processing

To claim reimbursement, eligible personnel must:

• Register one official mobile number with their office

• Submit a self-certification that expenses were official in nature

• Provide a signed Daily Time Record (DTR), when applicable

Additional documents may be required for foreign travel, secondment, or project-related claims. All submissions are processed by the appropriate DepEd Finance Office.

---

Accountability and Compliance

DepEd emphasizes prudence, transparency, and non-duplication of expenses. All transactions must comply with existing accounting, budgeting, and auditing laws. Monitoring and evaluation will be conducted by DepEd finance units at all governance levels.

---

Key Takeaway

DepEd Order No. 036, s. 2025 ensures that communication support for educators and officials is fair, regulated, and aligned with national budget rules. For school heads, supervisors, and administrators, understanding these guidelines is essential to avoid disallowances and ensure smooth reimbursement.

Staying informed means staying compliant—and helping DepEd deliver quality education more efficiently.

DepEd’s Bayang Bumabasa: How Needs-Based Program Support Funds Aim to Close Literacy Gaps

The Department of Education (DepEd) continues to place literacy at the center of Philippine basic education through the Bayang Bumabasa Initiative. With the release of the Guidelines for the Implementation of the 2025 Needs-Based Program Support Funds (PSF), DepEd reinforces its commitment to targeted, data-driven interventions that address persistent literacy gaps—especially in schools located in low-Special Education Fund (SEF) localities.

Anchored on Republic Act No. 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013) and Republic Act No. 7165, as amended, this policy ensures that limited public resources reach schools that need them most.

---

What Is the Bayang Bumabasa Initiative?

Bayang Bumabasa is DepEd’s nationwide literacy initiative designed to strengthen early and foundational reading skills, particularly among learners in Grades 1 to 3. It also emphasizes local government unit (LGU) participation, recognizing that literacy development is a shared responsibility among schools, communities, and local leaders.

The initiative aligns with:

• UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education)

• DepEd’s 5-Point Reform Agenda

• The MATATAG Curriculum and Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program

---

Why Needs-Based Program Support Funds Matter

Results from the 2024–2025 Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA) revealed that some public schools continue to show low or negative literacy growth between the beginning and end of the school year (BOSY–EOSY). The Needs-Based PSF responds directly to these findings.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the PSF ensures that schools with the greatest literacy challenges receive focused financial assistance to implement effective interventions for Fiscal Year 2026.

---

Who Are Eligible for the 2025 Needs-Based PSF?

Eligible public schools are those identified by DepEd based on CRLA data showing a negative difference in literacy performance for SY 2024–2025. The official list of eligible schools is provided in Annex A of the memorandum.

Each eligible school may receive up to ₱1,000,000, charged against FY 2025 Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) Funds under Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE), subject to existing budget and accounting rules.

---

Key Requirements for Schools

To access the PSF, school heads must submit the following through the Needs-Based PSF Online Form:

1. Literacy Improvement Plan (LIP)

   • Identified literacy gaps based on needs assessment

   • Target learners and measurable literacy goals

   • Timeline of activities for FY 2025–2026

   • Proposed interventions aligned with Bayang Bumabasa

   • Monitoring and evaluation tools

2. Funding Plan (FP)

   • Itemized budget detailing costs and required resources

Schools must also demonstrate LGU engagement, either through an existing Local Literacy Council (LLC) or certification from the LGU or Local School Board (LSB) indicating support or steps toward counterpart funding.

---

Allowable Uses of the Funds

The PSF may be used strictly for literacy-related activities, including:

• Implementation of approved School Improvement Plan activities

• Learning materials, supplies, rentals, and minor repairs

• Procurement of semi-expendable items below ₱50,000

• Complementary interventions aligned with the ARAL Program

All expenditures must comply with COA, DBM, and DepEd regulations.

---

How Funds Are Released and Managed

Once the LIP and FP are approved:

• DepEd Central Office releases funds to Regional Offices via Sub-Allotment Release Orders (Sub-ARO)

• Funds are downloaded to Schools Division Offices (SDOs)

• SDOs release the PSF to school heads

Funds remain valid until December 31, 2026, ensuring ample time for implementation and proper utilization.

---

Monitoring, Reporting, and Accountability

Transparency and accountability are central to the program. Schools must submit:

• Quarterly liquidation reports

• Quarterly accomplishment reports detailing physical and financial progress

The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) Secretariat, together with Regional and Division Offices, conducts monitoring visits and evaluates outcomes based on CRLA results through SY 2026–2027.

---

Why This Policy Matters for Philippine Education

The 2025 Needs-Based PSF under Bayang Bumabasa signals a shift toward evidence-based funding and targeted literacy support. By prioritizing struggling schools, strengthening LGU collaboration, and focusing on early grades, DepEd is laying the groundwork for long-term learning recovery and inclusive quality education.

Ultimately, improving literacy is not just about reading scores—it’s about empowering learners, families, and communities to build a more informed and resilient nation.