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GMA Network
31-07-2025
- General
- GMA Network
Teachers urged to ‘stop shaming students' amid comprehension crisis
Students are often shamed instead of supported in the classroom — and this culture may be contributing to the country's worsening comprehension crisis, an education leader warned during the release of the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) on Thursday. 'Ang teachers ang nagsi-shame sa learners... kaya kailangan piliin natin kung sino ang nasa teaching profession,' said Dr. Majah-Leah V. Ravago, Director of Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization – Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH), during the media forum held after the Philippine Statistics Authority's (PSA's) presentation of national literacy data. (Teachers are the ones shaming learners... that's why we need to be deliberate in choosing who enters the teaching profession.) According to the survey, the country's basic literacy rate — or the ability to read and write simple messages — stood at 93.1% among Filipinos aged 10 to 64. However, the functional literacy rate, which includes comprehension, dropped to just 70.8%. The gap highlights that while many Filipinos can read and compute, a significant portion cannot understand or apply what they read — a problem that worsens with age, region, and socioeconomic conditions. 'Nakikita natin sa mga probinsya, marami tayong naririnig na: 'Mahina ka sa math? Mag-teacher ka na lang,'' she said. (In the provinces, we often hear: 'You're weak in math? Just become a teacher.') 'Yung ganung pananaw, kailangan nating baguhin.' (That kind of mindset, we need to change it.) Ravago's remarks came after PSA chief Dr. Claire Dennis S. Mapa confirmed that reading comprehension is now the primary challenge, not basic literacy, with many learners able to read and compute but unable to analyze, infer, or draw conclusions from what they read. 'Marunong sila magbasa, marunong sila magsulat, marunong sila mag-compute pero ang problema, yung comprehension,' Mapa said. (They know how to read, write, and compute — but the problem is understanding what these mean.) Ravago echoed the need for foundational learning reforms and highlighted the role of teachers in shaping not just academic performance, but a student's sense of confidence and belonging in the classroom. Reforming the profession To improve comprehension, Ravago proposes: Raising standards for entry into the teaching profession Training teachers not just in pedagogy, but in positive classroom culture Increasing salaries and reducing non-teaching tasks to attract top talent 'Let's make the teaching profession attractive because they are the shapers of our learners,' Ravago stressed. While acknowledging that efforts have been made, she also noted that more is needed to uplift teachers and prevent harmful practices like shaming, especially in struggling schools. The call echoes long-standing concerns among learners, parents, and education advocates — that improving how teachers teach and treat students is as critical as upgrading curriculum and infrastructure. The full 2024 FLEMMS data, including literacy levels by province and city, will be released later this year via The survey, conducted in 2024, covered over 572,000 individuals across 177,000 households, making it the most extensive literacy study in the country's history. — RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
31-07-2025
- General
- GMA Network
PSA: Only 70.8% of Filipinos aged 10–64 functionally literate
National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa presents the PSA's findings on functional literacy on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Sherylin Untalan/GMA Integrated News The Philippines is facing a comprehension crisis, according to newly released government data, with more than 1 in 5 Filipinos aged 10 to 64 having difficulty understanding what they read—despite being able to read, write, and compute. This alarming gap was exposed in the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), unveiled Thursday, July 31, by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). According to National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa, the basic literacy rate—the share of people who can read, write, and compute—is 93.1%, but only 70.8% are considered functionally literate, meaning they can also comprehend. 'For every nine individuals aged 10 to 64 who can read, write, and compute, two have difficulty with comprehension,' Mapa said during his presentation at SEAMEO INNOTECH in Quezon City. The 22.3-point gap reveals a troubling reality behind seemingly strong literacy numbers—what some observers now call a hidden learning crisis. New definitions reveal deeper truths This year marks a turning point in the way literacy is measured in the country. The PSA, in consultation with DepEd and EdCom II, revised its definitions: Basic literacy now includes numeracy alongside reading and writing. Functional literacy adds the crucial skill of comprehension, tested directly for the first time. Previously, even those who merely finished high school were automatically counted as functionally literate. But PSA analysis of 2019 data showed that 2% of high school completers could not comprehend what they read—prompting the agency to remove automatic classifications and instead assess every individual aged 5 and up. 'There's no more automatic assignment. Everybody is tested now,' Mapa said. A national problem with local faces Mapa emphasized that the updated FLEMMS is now more granular, with results available down to the provincial and highly urbanized city level—the most detailed literacy survey yet. Key findings show staggering disparities: Tawi-Tawi posted a functional literacy rate of just 33.2%, meaning only 1 in 3 residents aged 10–64 there can read, write, compute and comprehend. BARMM had the highest illiteracy rate at 14.4%. Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) had the lowest functional literacy among regions at 59.3%. In contrast, Benguet led provinces at 87.9%, while San Juan City topped all highly urbanized cities with 94.5%. Women ahead, seniors behind Women consistently outperformed men across literacy metrics: 74.1% of women aged 10–64 are functionally literate, compared to 67.6% of men. Age matters: The 20–24 age group had the highest functional literacy (78.3%), while seniors aged 60–64 had the lowest at 57.8%. Mapa said these patterns reflect both generational access to education and the growing impact of digital information environments, which are now being captured in new modules on ICT skills and problem solving. Education doesn't guarantee comprehension The survey reinforced the strong link between educational attainment and literacy: 93.2% of post-baccalaureate individuals were functionally literate. Only 10.8% of those with no schooling passed the functional literacy test. Still, Mapa cautioned against equating diplomas with understanding. 'Completing high school does not necessarily mean you understand what you read,' he said, aligning with EdCom II findings and the World Bank's 2022 learning poverty estimate that 91% of Filipino 10-year-olds could not read and comprehend a simple story. Mapa clarified that while methodologies differ, both reports signal the same problem — that school completion is no longer a reliable measure of learning. Philippines still competitive in ASEAN—barely The PSA also compared the country's performance against ASEAN peers. Using the standard 'can read and write' definition: The Philippines scored 94.6%, slightly behind Malaysia (95.7%) and Indonesia (96.7%). But unlike most countries that rely on proxy answers (from a household head), the Philippines tested individuals directly—a more rigorous method. 'We directly tested over half a million individuals, five years old and above,' Mapa said, noting that this sets the Philippine data apart from most ASEAN states. More data to come: digital literacy, adult competencies The PSA announced that further results from FLEMMS will be released in the coming months, including: A new Digital Literacy module, measuring skills in data handling, content creation, online safety, and collaboration. The Philippines' first participation in the OECD-aligned Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), covering 11,000 households. From national data to local action Mapa said PSA's goal is not only to inform national policymakers, but also to empower local governments by providing literacy data tailored to their cities and provinces. 'We want LGUs to own the data—this is your province's result, your city's challenge. What actions should your local government take?' he said. The next FLEMMS is scheduled for 2027, a shorter three-year interval to help track progress before the end of the current administration. — BM, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
08-07-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
New Parenting Trend Alert: Raise Life-Ready Kids with The Brilliant Hour
Raising a child involves more than teaching ABCs or counting to ten. It's about helping them make sense of the world around them. From navigating emotions to solving everyday problems, these early lessons build the foundation for what experts call practical intelligence. According to the results of the Philippine Statistics Authority's 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), 18 million Filipinos aged 10 to 64 are functionally illiterate. This means that while they can read, write and compute, they have difficulty understanding and applying what they have read and learned. Data also suggests a link between poor nutrition and lower literacy rates, underscoring the need to address the core issue of early childhood nutrition. Parents can significantly improve their child's functional literacy, and in turn, practical intelligence inside the home by creating a rich learning environment, constantly engaging them in conversations, and prioritizing proper nutrition. Actress Iza Calzado recognizes that practical intelligence plays a key role in how children can thrive in today's dynamic world. She was very particular about brain development even during her pregnancy, going as far as importing wild caught salmon roe which is a source of DHA. This is why Iza proudly supports The Brilliant Hour, an advocacy by Enfagrow A+ Four that encourages parents to be intentional in dedicating time to nurture focus, thinking and learning for their children through proper nutrition and proper stimulation. The Brilliant Hour can help equip children with higher intelligence so they can thrive in changing situations. The Brilliant Hour encourages parents to support proper nutrition as a key building block of a child's higher intelligence with the help of Enfagrow A+ Four. Enfagrow A+ Four is the only milk with MFGM among staged milks and the highest level of DHA among formula milks, which support faster brain connections by nourishing the signs of higher intelligence: A+ Focus, A+ Learning and A+ Thinking vs formula without MFGM, with early supplementation of MFGM, with proper nutrition and stimulation. These signs of higher intelligence are the foundation of practical intelligence – cognitive skills that allow kids to regulate behavior, integrate learned information in tackling everyday challenges, adapt accordingly, and think creatively. The Brilliant Hour also serves as a call to action for parents to spend time with their children in doing practical activities that promote proper stimulation. This can be done by setting aside even just an hour with your kids to expose them to a positive learning environment and parent-child interactions. These activities can be as simple as playing board games, reading aloud to them, role-playing with toys or taking them to workshops such as the robotics class offered by The Brilliant Hour. With advocacies like The Brilliant Hour by Enfagrow A+ Four, you can help your child make sense of the world through proper nutrition and a well-rounded experience in practical skills and cognitive development. You too can support your child's practical intelligence and make a difference. Brilliance is just a click away! Learn more about The Brilliant Hour by Enfagrow A+ Four by visiting their Facebook page. ASC Ref No. M0129P062725E
