While over 90% of Filipinos possess basic literacy skills, only 70% can fully comprehend what they read, with the gap most pronounced in poverty-stricken regions.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), functional literacy rates are significantly lower in areas with high poverty incidence.
Philstar.com’s analysis shows that 11 out of 18 regions with above-average poverty also recorded below-average comprehension levels, such as BARMM and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The data further reveals that functional literacy is higher among women and younger age groups, while older Filipinos and men lag.
Experts, including EDCOM 2’s Karol Mark Yee, emphasize the urgent need to address foundational literacy, especially by Grade 3, to break the cycle of poverty and improve future opportunities for Filipino learners.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 12, 2025
