The Department of Education (DepEd) under Secretary Sonny Angara is now pushing for stronger intervention programs to address the alarming decline in functional literacy among Filipino senior high school graduates. Recent data has painted a concerning picture of the state of education and reading comprehension in the Philippines, prompting calls for urgent reforms.
📊 What Is Functional Literacy & Why It Matters
Functional literacy goes beyond just the ability to read and write—it measures a person's ability to apply reading, writing, and numeracy skills in real-life situations. This is crucial in:
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Understanding instructions in daily tasks
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Engaging in the workforce
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Accessing government services
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Following health protocols
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Participating in civic life
Without this, individuals are more vulnerable to:
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Poverty
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Unemployment
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Misinformation
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Limited opportunities
🧠 Shocking Statistics from the 2024 FLEMMS Report
The 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reveals:
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Over 24 million Filipinos aged 10 to 64 are functionally illiterate
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Around 5.8 million Filipinos are completely illiterate
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Decline in reading comprehension among senior high school students
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A clear link between literacy levels and economic participation
These numbers confirm long-standing concerns: that the literacy crisis is deep and far-reaching.
📚 DepEd's Commitment to Reform
Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that no child should be left behind in reading and understanding. DepEd's response includes:
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Strengthening reading intervention programs
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Enhancing teacher training in language and literacy instruction
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Revamping the K to 12 curriculum
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Investing in learning materials aligned with real-world skills
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Launching community-based reading programs
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Focusing on early-grade literacy
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Working with local government units (LGUs) to reach out-of-school youth
These measures are aimed at ensuring literacy becomes central to all education reforms moving forward.
🏫 Senator Gatchalian's Call to Action
During a Senate hearing, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian pointed out the urgency of addressing literacy gaps. He emphasized:
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Prioritizing basic education reform
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Monitoring literacy levels annually
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Allocating more budget for reading programs
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Supporting parents and caregivers in teaching literacy at home
📌 What's at Stake for the Future?
Failure to address functional illiteracy will have long-term consequences, including:
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A weakened labor force
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Lower national productivity
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Widening socioeconomic inequality
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An increase in school dropouts
By acting now, the Philippines can turn the tide and build a more educated, empowered, and productive citizenry.