EDCOM 2: Struggling readers reach 41.47%

MANILA, Philippines — The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) yesterday reported that 41.47 percent of learners nationwide are considered struggling readers.

Based on the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment conducted by the Department of Education at the start of School Year 2025-2026, EDCOM 2 reported that the number of struggling readers from Grades 1 to 3 has totaled 2,243,059 learners.

The commission added that the top 10 areas with struggling readers include Tawi-Tawi with 75.6 percent; Maguindao del Norte, 65.38 percent; Special Geographic Area North Cotabato, 64.49 percent; Zamboanga City, 60.72 percent; Sarangani, 60.57 percent; Sulu, 59.63 percent; Maguindanao del Sur, 58.46 percent; Lamitan City, 57.77 percent; Basilan, 57.59 percent and Davao Occidental, 57.17 percent.

Meanwhile, EDCOM 2 reported that the top 10 areas with the least struggling readers were Sto. Tomas City with 23.42 percent; Batanes, 24.38 percent; Bohol, 25.46 percent; Mt. Province, 26.32 percent; Valenzuela City, 27.44 percent; Cavite City, 29.58 percent; Tuguegarao City, 29.8 percent; Malolos City, 30.09 percent; Leyte, 30.80 percent and Carmona City, 31.19 percent.

EDCOM 2 added that there are at least 4,599 barangays in the country with no child development centers.

The commission cited the need to expand access to early childhood education through center-based and alternative modes to address the high percentage of struggling readers in the country.

It also underscored the importance of addressing classroom backlog and congestion in schools.