Philippine Literacy Crisis Deepens: Education System Faces a Breaking Point

The Philippines is facing a national emergency in education, with nearly one-fifth of its population now classified as functionally illiterate and another five percent unable to read, write, or compute at all. Experts warn that this growing crisis threatens the country’s future just as severely as any natural disaster.

According to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), the number of functionally illiterate Filipinos has nearly doubled over the last 30 years—from 14.5 million in 1993 to 24.8 million in 2024. The alarming rise reflects deep systemic issues within the education sector, where teachers are increasingly burdened with non-teaching tasks and government priorities remain misaligned.

Public school teachers report being pulled away from classrooms to perform duties unrelated to education, from assisting in welfare and health campaigns to election work and disaster response. These added responsibilities have stretched educators thin, leaving less time and energy for what truly matters: teaching students to read, understand, and think critically.

The Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) adds to the concern. The study found that 18.9 million senior high school graduates between 2019 and 2024 are functionally illiterate—able to read and write but lacking comprehension and the ability to apply what they learn to real-world situations. Another 5.86 million Filipinos aged 10 to 64 are considered basic illiterates, unable to perform fundamental reading or math tasks.

The literacy problem is most severe in the country’s poorest provinces, including Tawi-Tawi and Davao Occidental, where poverty and low literacy reinforce each other in a vicious cycle. Regions with stronger education outcomes tend to enjoy lower poverty rates, underscoring the link between literacy and national development.

Compounding the issue is government corruption and mismanagement. Recent scandals have revealed how funds meant for education are siphoned off by officials, leaving schools under-resourced and teachers underpaid. Critics argue that illiteracy and poverty serve political interests, making citizens easier to manipulate and dependent on short-term aid.

The nation’s education system is at a breaking point. Without urgent and coordinated reforms, the Philippines risks raising a generation unprepared to participate meaningfully in society or the global economy. The crisis is not just about schools—it’s about the country’s future.

At Capacité Development Center Philippines, we believe that literacy is the foundation of empowerment. This national crisis reinforces our mission to make quality English education accessible, practical, and inclusive—especially for Filipino adults who were left behind by the traditional education system.

Through our General English and IELTS Preparation Programs, we aim to rebuild functional literacy by focusing on real-world communication, comprehension, and confidence-building. Our goal is not only to teach English but to help Filipinos think critically, express ideas clearly, and connect globally.

Every Filipino deserves the chance to grow, learn, and succeed—regardless of where they start. For us at Capacité, bridging the literacy gap isn’t just an educational mission; it’s a step toward a stronger, more capable Philippines.