EDCOM 2 flags literacy crisis: 85% of Grades 1 to 3 learners are struggling readers

The Philippines is facing a severe foundational learning crisis, with 85 percent of Grade 1 to 3 pupils struggling to read, according to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).

EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee said early grade assessments conducted in July showed only 15 percent of learners reading at grade level.

“Yung grade level students sa Grades 1 to 3 natin is only 15%. Ibig sabihin, 85% ng mga Grades 1 to 3 students are struggling readers,” Yee told the reporters on Tuesday during the first day of the National Literacy Conference in Quezon City. 

(Only 15% of our Grades 1 to 3 students are reading at grade level – this means that 85% of Grades 1 to 3 students are struggling readers.)

Yee stressed that the crisis is widespread across the country, with the greatest concentrations of severely challenged schools found in Regions 12, 9, and 8, including areas such as Samar, Tacloban City, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Soccsksargen.

Top three barriers to literacy: books, teacher training, home support

Yee then outlined the systemic obstacles driving low reading proficiency. 

“Learning resources, kailangan may libro yung mga bata kasi how can you improve literacy if you don't have anything to read?” he said.

(Children need reading materials. How can literacy improve if they have nothing to read?)

“Ikalawa, teacher training, at ikatlo talaga dyan, yung mobilizing the community… Kailangan talaga parents play a role,” Yee noted. 

(Second is teacher training, and third is community mobilization… Parents must play an active role.)

He emphasized that reading must continue beyond school hours.

“Learning does not stop in school. Kailangan pag-uwi, magbabasa pa rin ng storybook kasama ng magulang,” he said.

(Learning does not stop in school. When they go home, children should still read storybooks with their parents.)

More resources expected next year

Meanwhile, Yee welcomed the additional budget for textbooks that was approved in the Senate as it will ensure one-to-one access to reading materials, including workbooks and storybooks.

He added that stronger policy support, increased materials, and community involvement are essential to preventing early learners from falling further behind. — JMA, GMA Integrated News