In line with the observance of the National Reading Month this November, Senate President Win Gatchalian is seeking the active mobilization of local government units (LGUs) to build on reading gains and combat illiteracy across the country.
While acknowledging the country’s improved Reading performance in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Gatchalian emphasized the need for continued reforms to ensure that Filipino learners achieve literacy.
“Seven in 10 Filipino learners aged 15 are still below minimum reading proficiency.”
The veteran legislator pointed out that approximately seven in 10 Filipino learners aged 15 are still below minimum reading proficiency.
To address the gap, the Senate President highlighted the need for stronger local intervention alongside existing initiatives such as the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program.
Under Senate Bill 628 or the National Literacy Council Act, the seasoned lawmaker is proposing the designation of Local School Boards as de facto local literacy councils.
These councils will be tasked with formulating data-driven local roadmap to combat illiteracy, guided by relevant measurable targets and indicators.
“Mas nauunawaan nila ang mga hamon at pangangailangan ng mga nasasaklaw nilang mag-aaral.”
“Sa pag-angat natin sa literacy at sa kakayahan ng ating mga mag-aaral na bumasa, mahalaga ang papel ng ating mga LGUs, lalo na’t mas nauunawaan nila ang mga hamon at pangangailangan ng mga nasasaklaw nilang mag-aaral,” the senator concluded.
