The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) reported that 41.47 percent of learners nationwide are struggling readers. This figure comes from the Department of Education's Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment at the start of School Year 2025-2026, totaling 2,243,059 learners from Grades 1 to 3.
MANILA, Philippines — The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) reported on Tuesday that 41.47 percent of learners nationwide are considered struggling readers. This is based on the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment conducted by the Department of Education at the start of School Year 2025-2026, with 2,243,059 learners from Grades 1 to 3 identified as struggling. The top 10 areas with the highest rates include Tawi-Tawi at 75.6 percent; Maguindao del Norte, 65.38 percent; Special Geographic Area North Cotabato, 64.49 percent; Zamboanga City, 60.72 percent; Sarangani, 60.57 percent; Sulu, 59.63 percent; Maguindanao del Sur, 58.46 percent; Lamitan City, 57.77 percent; Basilan, 57.59 percent; and Davao Occidental, 57.17 percent. Meanwhile, the top 10 areas with the lowest rates are Sto. Tomas City at 23.42 percent; Batanes, 24.38 percent; Bohol, 25.46 percent; Mt. Province, 26.32 percent; Valenzuela City, 27.44 percent; Cavite City, 29.58 percent; Tuguegarao City, 29.8 percent; Malolos City, 30.09 percent; Leyte, 30.80 percent; and Carmona City, 31.19 percent. EDCOM 2 noted that at least 4,599 barangays lack child development centers. It called for expanding access to early childhood education through center-based and alternative modes to address the high number of struggling readers. The commission also highlighted the need to tackle classroom backlog and congestion in schools.