DEPED URGED TO INNOVATE LEARNING TO ADDRESS COMPREHENSION GAPS

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to implement alternative learning strategies for students with poor comprehension skills, following a PSA report showing nearly 19 million functionally illiterate graduates in 2024.

In a radio interview, Gatchalian stressed the need to identify and support these students through alternative learning systems and tutoring, especially in areas with high poverty and malnutrition.

He emphasized that hunger and poor nutrition hinder a child’s ability to learn, linking illiteracy with poverty.

Meanwhile, Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged the national government to boost funding for education infrastructure, personnel, and resources, especially in Mindanao.

He criticized the recent P10 billion cut to DepEd’s computerization fund and called for annual budget increases to effectively address the crisis.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 4, 2025