A report from the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics 2019 (SEA-PLM) revealed that one in 10 Grade 5 students in the Philippines cannot read, while two in 10 lack the expected mathematical skills for their level.
The findings were highlighted during the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Convergence in Cebu City on December 5, 2024. The event brought together stakeholders from the National Nutrition Council, ECCD, local government units, and other organizations.
ECCD specialist Psyche Olayvar explained that the data stems from the Philippines’ participation in SEA-PLM’s regional assessment, which evaluates educational proficiency among primary students. The Philippines ranked behind neighboring countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Cambodia in reading and mathematics, scoring an average of 288 in both subjects, slightly ahead of Laos.
“Early childhood education is significant in shaping future learning outcomes. However, only 19% of children aged three to four attended early education in 2020, based on PSA data,” Olayvar said in a Sunstar report.
She emphasized a dual approach to address the crisis: encouraging parents to understand the value of early education through play-based learning for younger children and ensuring government involvement in making educational services accessible.
