Unicef official flags PH for major learning crisis

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned of a "real and widespread learning crisis" in the Philippines, as recent findings revealed that a vast majority of students are falling significantly behind in reading and mathematics.

- By BELLA CARIASO

Citing data from a 2019 study, UNICEF Education chief Akihiro Fushimi said that 90 percent of Filipino children in Grade 5 cannot read at their expected level, while 83 percent continue to struggle with basic mathematics.

"This is a real and widespread learning crisis," Fushimi stressed during a press conference in Makati City.

He noted that learning gaps have widened further in areas such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where education outcomes are even lower.

The study's findings predate the COVID-19 pandemic, which Fushimi said worsened the problem due to prolonged school closures and limited access to alternative learning, particularly among disadvantaged communities.

"With COVID-19, we know the Philippines has faced a two-year-long school closure. During this time, many children, particularly those in disadvantaged communities and families, could not access the alternate modes of learning," Fushimi said.