DepEd vows to address functional illiteracy in SHS

Following a government survey that flagged widespread reading and comprehension issues, Education Secretary Sonny Angara yesterday reaffirmed the Department of Education (DepEd)'s commitment to ensure that every Filipino learner becomes functionally literate.

- By NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS

"We will not let any child fall behind in reading and understanding. The recent FLEMMS results on functional literacy highlight what we have long recognized—literacy must be at the heart of our education reforms," Angara said in a statement, referring to the 2024 functional literacy, education and mass media survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The survey revealed that over 18 million junior high school graduates struggle with basic comprehension, categorizing them as functionally illiterate.

Angara said DepEd was bolstering its interventions, including improvements on its remedial and literacy programs, to ensure students would catch up.

"We have also deepened our teaching and assessment methods. Instead of memorization, we are shaping students to be critical thinkers and have 21st century skills," Angara said.

He emphasized that functional literacy is a responsibility the agency owes to every Filipino student.

"DepEd is taking action to correct the past and prepare every child for a stronger future. Ensuring that every Filipino learner is functionally literate is a commitment we owe to our constituents," he added.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian expressed alarm at the number of "functionally illiterate" Filipinos after completing basic education.