Misread, Misled, Misunderstood: The Truth About Functional Literacy in the Philippines and DepEd’s Crusade for Reform

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A media frenzy has erupted over the recently released 2024 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), with headlines from major outlets declaring a supposed catastrophe: 18 million Filipino high school graduates are functionally illiterate. But behind the dramatic figures and widespread alarm is a narrative that deserves context, clarity—and the courage to see beyond the numbers.

The Department of Education (DepEd), through a comprehensive position paper penned by Dr. Ronald Mendoza, former Dean of the Ateneo School of Government and now DepEd Undersecretary for Strategic Management, sets the record straight: the oft-quoted “18.9 million” figure is being dangerously misrepresented.

Setting the Record Straight

The FLEMMS survey, conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), assesses not just basic literacy—the ability to read, write, and compute—but also functional literacy, which goes a step further. It tests whether Filipinos can comprehend and apply information to real-world situations—a crucial skill in today’s knowledge economy.

The headlines that sparked public anxiety have conflated this data. The truth? While it's accurate that around 18.9 million Filipinos aged 10 to 64 fall under the category of functionally illiterate (they struggle with high-level comprehension), this does not mean they are high school graduates. It does not mean they can’t read or write. And it certainly does not mean our education system is failing wholesale.

Here’s the data that matters:

The basic literacy rate remains high at 93.1%, showcasing our success in foundational education.

The functional literacy rate, recalibrated to include more advanced comprehension, stands at 70.8%—meaning 7 in 10 Filipinos can process and apply information effectively.

Among 18-year-olds, who are most likely to have recently graduated Senior High School, 80% are functionally literate—that’s 1.5 million out of 1.9 million.

This last point is crucial: the supposed 18 million functionally illiterate high school graduates are a statistical myth born of misinterpretation.

A Misfire in Media, a Missed Opportunity in Messaging

Media plays a vital role in holding systems accountable—but it must also strive for accuracy. The sensationalist headlines circulating now obscure the real story: the evolving standards of literacy and the systemic reforms DepEd is pursuing to meet them.

Instead of peddling panic, the media should amplify this reality: DepEd has embraced the challenge of 21st-century literacy. It's not enough for students to merely read and write; they must learn to understand, evaluate, and apply information in an increasingly complex world.

The Bigger Picture: DepEd’s Reform Agenda

Under Dr. Mendoza’s strategic guidance, DepEd is not deflecting criticism—it is inviting engagement. The Department acknowledges that challenges remain and is actively implementing reforms to transform functional literacy from an aspiration into a national standard.

Key reform initiatives include:

Curriculum enhancements that prioritize critical thinking and comprehension.

Teacher training programs focused on pedagogical shifts toward deeper learning.

Investments in assessment tools that reflect real-world application, not rote memorization.

Community partnerships to bolster learning outside of school walls.

In short, DepEd is not retreating from the literacy issue—it’s confronting it with honesty, data, and direction.

Let’s Talk About Functional Literacy—Responsibly

As this dialogue on literacy intensifies, the public deserves a debate rooted in truth, not in tangled headlines. Yes, the road to universal functional literacy is long and winding, but the journey must begin with facts, not fear.

The media has a chance now to correct the narrative, not just to avoid misinformation, but to galvanize support for reforms that can change the lives of millions.

This is more than a matter of literacy—it’s a test of national comprehension. Let’s make sure we all pass it.

Ross Flores Del Rosario is the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, a multi-awarded online platform advocating for responsible media, transparency, and inclusive dialogue. He champions education reform, sustainability, and community empowerment through honest storytelling.

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