Legarda calls for unified strategy as functional illiteracy nears 25 million

Senator Loren Legarda, co-chairperson of EDCOM II, is advocating for a unified national strategy to combat functional illiteracy.

Data shows a concerning surge in functionally illiterate Filipinos, almost doubling from 14.5 million thirty years ago to 24.8 million in 2024.

Legarda attributes this rise to the Department of Education (DepEd) being overburdened with administrative tasks and participating in numerous inter-agency bodies.

However, Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated that reforms are underway to address functional illiteracy, with President Marcos' support.

These reforms include a streamlined K-10 and senior high school curriculum, nationwide teacher training, the DepEd Principals Academy, expanded classroom construction and textbook procurement, stronger education technology integration, and deployment of additional administrative officers.

Angara emphasized the focus on foundational learning and literacy recovery, with DepEd aligning resources and streamlining functions.