Literacy in the Philippines

Literacy in the Philippines or Basic Literacy refers as the ability of a person to read, write and compute and Functional Literacy refers to the ability of a person to read write, compute, and comprehend, based on PSA Board Resolution No. 13 Series of 2024.[1]

In the Philippines, the literacy rate is determined by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) through the Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS).[2]

The result of the FLEMMS in 2024 shows that the Basic Literacy Rate for 5 Years Old and Over is 90% while the Functional Literacy Rate of those 10 to 64 Years Old is 70.8%[3][4][5] The 2024 FLEMMS is the seventh (7th) PSA Survey.[6]

The Philippine Government lead agency for literacy is the Department of Education (DepEd). The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) is an inter-agency body that is administratively attached to DepEd.

The Commission on Higher Education, through the issuance of memorandum, supports higher education institutions to include literacy programs in extension services.[7]

History

Pre-colonial period (900 AD to 1565)

Laguna Copperplate Inscription.

In pre-colonial Philippines, the communities pass their stories, songs, poetry, dances, medicinal practices and advice regarding all sorts of community life issues passed from generation to generation, primarily through oral tradition.[8] However, communities already developed writing systems and used Philippine scripts such as baybayin and other syllabaries. The Laguna Copperplate Inscription is the earliest-known, extant, calendar-dated document found within the Philippines[9]

Early chroniclers, who came during the first Spanish expeditions to the islands noted the proficiency of some of the natives, especially the chieftain and local kings, in Sanskrit, Old Javanese, Old Malay, and several other languages.[10][11]

Colonial period

Cover of Doctrina Christiana.

During the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, the first book printed in the Philippines was printed in 1590. It was a Chinese language version of Doctrina Christiana. Spanish and Tagalog versions, in both Latin script and the locally used baybayin script, were later printed in 1593.[12][13]

Contemporary period

Cover of EDCOM II Final Report.

On November 25, 1991, the Literacy Coordinating Council was created through the enactment of Republic Act No. 7165.

On June 17, 1994, Republic Act No. 7743 was approved which provides for the establishment of congressional, city and municipal libraries and barangay reading centers.[14]

In 1997, the Literacy Coordinating Council created the Blueprint for Action with the goal of eradicating illiteracy in the Philippines. On April 15, the President Fidel V. Ramos issued Administrative Order No. 324 which mandates Government Agencies and Local Government Units to adopt the LCC Blueprint for Action.[15]

On May 27, 2010, Republic Act No. 10122 was approved thereby amending Republic Act No. 7165.

In 2011, the Department of Science and Technology launched the Science & Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly-Operated Kiosk System (STARBOOKS) in Davao City.[16]

In 2019, the Supreme Court e-library, which contains court decisions since 1901 and was created in 2004, was opened for public access.[17] In March 2022, the National Literacy Framework was developed by the Department of Education (DepEd), Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC), and Philippine Normal University (PNU).

In April 26, 2023, the DILG issued Memorandum Circular 2023-067 reiterating DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2007-155, "Creation/Strengthening of Local Literacy Coordinating Council/Literacy Implementing Units.[18]

In 2024, the DILG and DepEd issued Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, s. 2024 titled, “Creation, Reconstitution, and Strengthening of Local Literacy Councils at the City and Municipal Levels”[19]

On August 16, 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority Board approved PSA Board Resolution No. 13 titled "Approving the Revised Operational Definition and Methodology in Estimating Basic and Functional Literacy in the Philippines". The new definition is used in the 2024 FLEMMS.[20]

In January 2026, EDCOM II submitted the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan) 2026–2035 to the Senate of the Philippines.[21]

Literacy Rate

Basic and functional literacy rates in 2024

According to Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM), In 1993 there are 14.5 million Filipinos that are functionally illiterate which is then reported by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) that in 2025 the number increased to 24.8 million[22]

In the 2024 the PSA definition of functional literacy, graduates of senior high school are no longer automatically considered as functionally literate.[23][24]

In 2026, the EDCOM Dashboard was launched containing early childhood education, literacy, and nutrition data that may be used in decision making.[25]

Literacy Coordinating Council

The Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) was created in 1991 through the enactment of Republic Act No. 7165. The LCC is an attached agency under the Department of Education.

The members of the Local Literacy Council are the following:

National Literacy Awards

The National Literacy Awards is under the Literacy Coordinating Council which recognizes literacy programs in the Philippines[26]

National Literacy Framework

Media Literacy Program conducted by the Presidential Communications Office.

The National Literacy Framework is a Technical Research Report by the Department of Education, Literacy Coordinating Council, and the Philippine Normal University released in March 2022.

The study has identified 19 Literacy Skills.[27]

Literacy Programs

Literacy Programs in the Philippines are implemented by Government of the Philippines and Non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program

The Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act was established through the enactment of Republic Act 12028.[28][29][30][31]

The DepEd, DBM, DILG, and DOF issued Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, s. 2025 which allows the use of the Special Education Fund (SEF) for the ARAL Program[32][33]

National Service Training Program

The National Service Training Program (NSTP) was established through Republic Act No. 9163, or the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001.[34][35]

Literacy Training Service (LTS) is one of the three components of NSTP. It is designed to train LTS students for literacy and numeracy programs. CHED encourages inclusion of Literacy Programs through NSTP in extension programs of HEIs.[36][37]

Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program

Tara, Basa! Parenting Session at Navotas City on June 2, 2026

Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program is a social protection program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). In the implementation of the program, qualified college students are trained as Tutors for struggling learners in public schools or Youth Development Worker for sessions with parents or guardians.[38]

As of 2026, a "Tara Basa" bill was filed in the Philippine House of Representative to institutionalize the program.[39] According to DSWD, a law will guarantee the program's long-term sustainability and expansion.[40]

LGU Programs

In June 2025, there are on record 441 cities and municipalities that has Ordinances and Executive Orders on Literacy, and 202 has Local Literacy Councils according to the DILG.[41]

Local Government UnitLiteracy ProgramDescriptionReference
Valenzuela CityNanay Teacher PlusParent Empowerment on their Duties and Responsibilities[42]
Quezon CityZero Illiteracy Tutoring ProgramTutoring Sessions in School and Community Libraries with 2,000 beneficiaries[43]
PasigMalusog na Batang PasigueñoFood Packs and Annual Physical Examinations to 145,000 Students[44]
Naga CityBarangay Literacy Worker (BLW) ProgramLiteracy Volunteers for Literacy Mapping and as Teacher Aides[45]
Navotas CityNavoYouth Tutors InitiativeShort Term College Employment and Literacy and Numeracy Tutorial Program[46]
NorzagarayBRIdging Gaps through Helpful Tools (Project BRIGHT)Smaller class sessions, book distribution, and reading camp[47]
Carmona, CaviteLearning Assistance Program and Inclusive Support (Project LAPIS)Community-based literacy program[48]

NGO Programs

Non-Governmental OrganizationLiteracy ProgramDescriptionReference
Angat BuhayBayan Ko, Teacher KoVolunteer tutor training sessions[49]
Binhi English Literacy FoundationBeginning Reading ProgramLearning Program for struggling children in reading and writing[50]
Inquirer FoundationINQskwelaQuiz Bee, Journalism Worskshop, and Read-Along Program[51]
Metrobank FoundationSupport for Optimal Learning and Understanding To Improve Overall Numeracy (SOLUTION) programAfter-school remediation program for Kinder to Grade 1[52]
Mind on WheelsMind on WheelsMobile Library with Teacher-led Sessions for Eight Weeks from Monday to Thursday[53]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Approving the revised operational definition and methodology in estimating basic and functional literacy in the Philippines" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2025-05-21.
  2. ↑ "For every 10 Filipinos, 9 have Basic Literacy, while 7 have Functional Literacy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2025-05-21.
  3. ↑ "For every 10 Filipinos, 9 have Basic Literacy, while 7 have Functional Literacy | Philippine Statistics Authority".
  4. ↑ "Content | Philippine Statistics Authority".
  5. ↑ "PSA: Only 70.8% of Filipinos aged 10–64 functionally literate". 31 July 2025.
  6. ↑ "Literacy in the Philippines". Philippine Information Agency. 16 July 2025.
  7. ↑ "CHED urges universities to boost community literacy programs". Daily Tribune. 7 February 2026.
  8. ↑ Hernandez Kahayon, Alicia; Limdico, Magdalena; Santiago, E M (1989). Panitikang Filipino: kasaysayan at pag-unlad: pangkolehiyo. Metro Manila, Philippines: National Book Store. pp. 32–33. ISBN 978-9-71084-374-9.
  9. ↑ Postma, Antoon (April–June 1992). "The Laguna Copper-Plate Inscription: Text and Commentary". Philippine Studies. 40 (2). Ateneo de Manila University: 182–203. JSTOR 42633308.
  10. ↑ "A Philippine Document from 900 A.D." Archived from the original on November 21, 2014. Retrieved June 23, 2014.
  11. ↑ Bergreen, Laurence.Over The Edge of The World: Magellan’s Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe. New York. 2003.
  12. ↑ Lessing J. Rosenwald. "Lessing J. Rosenwald Collection". Library of Congress. World Digital Library. Retrieved November 28, 2010.
  13. ↑ For complementary information about the first books printed in the Philippines, see p. 238 in Jorge Mojarro. “Los primeros libros impresos en Filipinas (1593–1607).” Hispania Sacra 72, no.145 (2020): 231–40.
  14. ↑ "A library in every barangay? Let's do it in QC, says councilor". 12 January 2014.
  15. ↑ "The Literacy Coordinating Council should explain failure to fulfill mandate". 12 February 2025.
  16. ↑ "STARBOOKS: Bringing S&T knowledge to Filipinos everywhere". Manila Bulletin. 12 February 2024.
  17. ↑ "Supreme Court opening e-library to the public for free". 27 March 2019.
  18. ↑ https://dilg.gov.ph/PDF_File/issuances/memo_circulars/dilg-memocircular-2023426_2f4757291e.pdf
  19. ↑ https://www.dilg.gov.ph/PDF_File/issuances/joint_circulars/dilg-joincircular-2025411_642d14ab1a.pdf
  20. ↑ "PSA: 5.58M HS graduates lack comprehension skills". 21 May 2025.
  21. ↑ "EDCOM II submits 10-year education reform roadmap to Senate | Philippine News Agency".
  22. ↑ "DepEd: Reforms underway to address functional illiteracy". The Philippine STAR.
  23. ↑ "DepEd clarifies FLEMMS 2024 results: Functional literacy shows gains despite stricter standards". Manila Bulletin. 5 May 2025.
  24. ↑ "PSA explains why past surveys show bloated literacy rates". The Philippine STAR.
  25. ↑ "EDCOM 2 launches one-stop resource for local government initiatives in education - EDCOM 2". edcom2.gov.ph. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
  26. ↑ "DepEd-NCR prepares for LCC's National Literacy Awards 2024". Philippine Information Agency. 30 July 2024.
  27. ↑ "Philippine National Literacy Framework". Philippine Information Agency. 20 April 2023.
  28. ↑ "DepEd launches ARAL Program". Daily Tribune. 13 September 2025.
  29. ↑ "DepEd launches ARAL program to address learning crisis". 13 September 2025.
  30. ↑ "DepEd rolls out ARAL Program to strengthen literacy, learning recovery". Manila Bulletin. 13 September 2025.
  31. ↑ "DepEd starts ARAL program vs learning crisis". The Philippine STAR.
  32. ↑ "New guidelines expanding use of Special Education Fund signed, set to support literacy gaps". 3 December 2025.
  33. ↑ https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/CTC_JC-NO-1-S2025.pdf
  34. ↑ "NSTP signed into law, replaces ROTC". The Philippine STAR.
  35. ↑ "Why ROTC is no longer mandatory". The Philippine STAR.
  36. ↑ "CHED urges colleges and universities to support DepEd literacy initiatives". 10 February 2026.
  37. ↑ "CHED calls on colleges, universities to boost functional literacy across communities". Manila Bulletin. 6 February 2026.
  38. ↑ "Tara Basa – DSWD".
  39. ↑ "DSWD backs proposed institutionalization of Tara Basa tutoring program | Philippine News Agency".
  40. ↑ "DSWD hopes to bolster Tara, Basa! tutoring program with new law". Archived from the original on 2025-08-01. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
  41. ↑ "Over 440 cities, municipalities have local policies to boost literacy". 18 June 2025.
  42. ↑ "Valenzuela City's "Nanay Teacher Plus": Empowering parents to support literacy of their children". 6 August 2025.
  43. ↑ "Mayor Joy leads the way in EDCOM 2's #BayangBumabasaChallenge, showcases QC's key initiatives on education". 12 July 2025.
  44. ↑ "Mayor Vico highlights education wins: Pasig reading camps boost test scores by 19%". 16 July 2025.
  45. ↑ "Barangay eSkwela and the Barangay Literacy Worker: Naga's Comprehensive Approach to Promoting Education for Out-of-School Children, Youth and Adults (OSCYAs)".
  46. ↑ "Navotas' targeted programs and mobile libraries raise literacy of students". 18 August 2025.
  47. ↑ "Norzagaray, Bulacan: A model for the country in eliminating illiteracy in our schools - EDCOM 2". edcom2.gov.ph. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
  48. ↑ Deña, Carla Bauto (February 2, 2026). "Carmona LGU rolls out literacy project for out-of-school children, youth". Manila Bulletin.
  49. ↑ "Angat Buhay Strengthens Literacy Efforts with Series of Tutor Training Sessions - Angat Buhay". www.angatbuhay.ph. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
  50. ↑ "LRMC partners with Binhi English Literacy Foundation for learning program – Light Rail Manila Corporation". lrmc.ph. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
  51. ↑ "A media company taking on missions beyond the news". Archived from the original on 2024-12-09. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
  52. ↑ "MBFI backs programs to address learning crisis | Daily Tribune". tribune.net.ph. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
  53. ↑ "Cebu NGO Launches 'Learning Drive' Literacy Program". www.sunstar.com.ph. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
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