A nationwide reading crisis is hitting urban centers hardest, with new data revealing that major cities—not just rural areas—are struggling to teach children fundamental literacy skills.
According to the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA) for the 2025–2026 school year, Pasay City leads Metro Manila with 47.50% of early grade students classified as struggling readers. Other cities in the capital region follow closely, with Muntinlupa, Manila, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Navotas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, and Pateros all reporting rates above 40%.
"The equation is simple: Keep the poor illiterate, so they can be bribed with money and fooled with promises with every election cycle," the analysis notes, drawing connections between political dynasties and poor educational outcomes.
Quezon City, Pasig, Marikina, Taguig, San Juan, Caloocan, and Makati fall within the 30–40% range. Valenzuela stands as the sole exception at 27.44%, a success attributed to former mayor Rexlon Gatchalian's focused investment in public schools.
The situation proves even more severe outside Metro Manila. Zamboanga City records the highest rate nationwide at 60.74%, followed by Iloilo City (51.93%), Cagayan de Oro (50.50%), and Tacloban (49.95%).
These findings support the Second Congressional Commission on Education's (EdCom 2) declaration of a "learning crisis" affecting 85% of students in Grades 1–3 nationwide. By age 15, these students demonstrate weak proficiency in mathematics, science, and reading comprehension—a pattern confirmed by the Philippines' consistently poor performance in the Program for International Student Assessment.
EdCom 2 officials identify several contributing factors:
- Overcrowded classrooms exacerbated by urban migration
- School capacity failing to keep pace with population growth
- Double or triple shifts reducing instructional time
- Large class sizes preventing individualized attention
- Teachers experiencing "rapid burnout" from handling multiple shifts
- Wider literacy gaps among students transferring from rural to urban schools
In response to this crisis, private sector initiatives are emerging alongside calls for infrastructure improvements. Lampara Books has launched a new collection of culturally relevant children's storybooks and reading supplements developed by educators, authors, and illustrators.
The collection includes two flagship series: "Let's Read!" and its Filipino counterpart "Magbasa Tayo!" Developed by reading specialists Victor Villanueva and Daisy Callado, these materials represent the first locally produced decodable texts designed to bring structured, systematic approaches to reading instruction.
"Traditional classroom instruction relies on memorization rather than familiarity with sound patterns, which can lead to confusion when students encounter words in sentences," the developers explain.
The "Magbasa Tayo!" series incorporates the Marungko method—a localized approach developed by Bulacan educators that builds literacy through small, cumulative steps. This method allows children to progress at their own pace while building confidence and positive relationships with reading.
As the crisis deepens, experts emphasize that only comprehensive collaboration across government, private sector, and educational institutions can address the root causes and ensure every child receives the opportunity to read—and thrive.