Teachers’ groups have expressed serious concern over the report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2) showing that 70% of students are struggling with foundational skills.
According to Edcom 2, many students have difficulty identifying letters and sounds, reading common words, counting, and performing simple numerical problem-solving.
These findings are based on Department of Education (DepEd) data from 2023 to 2025.
In an interview with Brigada News FM Manila, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Chairperson Ruby Bernardo said the situation is extremely alarming, especially since students are already weak in basic and simple skills.
Because of this, Bernardo stressed the need for immediate action.
She said that after the historically large budget allocated to the education sector, concrete results should be seen in addressing its problems, particularly by focusing on improving students’ learning.
Meanwhile, Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) Chairperson Benjo Basas said that to address the crisis, strengthening Key Stage 1 or primary education is crucial.
He noted that they have long been proposing a better teacher-student ratio in classrooms and the deployment of more highly skilled teachers at the primary grade level.
It can be recalled that Edcom earlier said the education crisis would require a 10-year reform program to be resolved.
(PHOTO COURTESY: DepEd)
