Philippine Lawmaker Calls for Enhanced Focus on Students' Reading Comprehension
DepEd urged to focus on students’ reading comprehension
Inquirer
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A Philippine lawmaker has urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to prioritize improving reading comprehension among students, particularly those in Grade 11, where 87% struggle with independent reading. This call comes amid ongoing discussions on educational policy changes and the need to address significant literacy gaps in the country.
- 0187% of Grade 11 students in the Philippines are classified as non-independent readers, struggling with comprehension.
- 02Rep. Roman Romulo emphasized the need for DepEd to focus on foundational reading skills rather than implementing new policies.
- 03The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that 18.96 million students were functionally illiterate as of 2025, indicating a national literacy crisis.
- 04The Learning Recovery Program (ARAL) has faced criticism for not effectively addressing skill gaps due to lack of resources and student attendance.
- 05Edcom 2 has suggested a redesign of the Strengthened Senior High School program to better support students' reading needs.
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In a recent hearing, Pasig Representative Roman Romulo urged the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines to prioritize addressing the reading comprehension issues faced by students, particularly those in Grade 11. He highlighted that a staggering 87% of these students are classified as non-independent readers, struggling to explain what they read. Romulo called for a return to basics, advocating for a focused approach on reading skills rather than the introduction of new policies. The urgency of this issue is underscored by data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, which revealed that 18.96 million students who graduated in 2024 were functionally illiterate. The Learning Recovery Program (ARAL) has been criticized for its ineffectiveness in bridging skill gaps, prompting Edcom 2 to suggest a redesign of the senior high school curriculum. The educational crisis in the Philippines is severe, with a World Bank report indicating that 90.9% of Filipino children aged 10 face learning poverty, necessitating immediate action to improve literacy rates.
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The focus on improving reading comprehension could significantly enhance educational outcomes for Filipino students, addressing a critical literacy crisis.
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