DepEd: Reforms underway to address functional illiteracy

MANILA, Philippines — Reforms are underway to address functional illiteracy in the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) said yesterday.

Based on the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2)’s report, the number of functionally illiterate Filipinos has nearly doubled to 24.8 million in the past 30 years.

“With President Marcos’ support, we are aligning resources, streamlining functions and focusing on what matters most: foundational learning and literacy recovery,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

EDCOM 2 has expressed concern over the DepEd’s involvement in over 261 interagency bodies, saying this has diverted the agency’s focus from its core mandate.

In 1993, EDCOM 1 had urged the government to allow the agency to focus on basic education to address the issue of 14.5 million functionally illiterate Filipinos at the time.

Angara said reforms include the rollout of a streamlined K-10 and senior high school curriculum, nationwide training for teachers, the DepEd Principals Academy, expanded classroom construction and textbook procurement, stronger education technology integration and deployment of additional administrative officers in schools.

Last mile schools

Meanwhile, about P3 billion has been earmarked by the government to enhance access to basic education for children in geographically isolated, disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas (GIDCAs), according to Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales.

“The sum will support the Last Mile Schools Program,” he noted.

“Not just structures, but also internet connectivity, technical-vocational laboratories, water and sanitation facilities and solar power systems for off-grid schools, among others,” he added.

About 41 barangays in Eastern Samar are classified as GIDCAs.

In another development, Camarines Sur Rep. Luigi Villafuerte said the government should allocate a bigger budget for hiring and assigning guidance counselors and mental health professionals to public schools and state universities.

Over P2 billion has been proposed by the DepEd for hiring 10,000 school counselor associates 1 in 2026, Angara told lawmakers at a budget hearing.

Campus bullying cases increased to 2,500 in school year 2024-2025, from 2,268.

Diploma mills

Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has urged the Commission on Higher Education to take action against diploma mills after the EDCOM 2 reported that many graduate programs in teacher education prioritize credentials over competence.

More than half of the country’s graduate students are enrolled in education programs, but many of these programs fall short of delivering meaningful research output or genuine professional growth, the EDCOM 2 said.

“Too many graduate programs today have become mere ticket requirements for promotion, not real opportunities for growth,” Acidre, co-chair of the EDCOM 2, pointed out. — Delon Porcalla, Jose Rodel Clapano