Tawi-Tawi has the most students struggling with reading—EDCOM 2
Tawi-Tawi has the most struggling readers in the Philippines, based on the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment conducted at the beginning of SY 2025-2026.
The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) released the data, which showed the top 10 divisions with struggling readers. The areas with the highest percentage are located in Mindanao.
In Tawi-Tawi, 75.60% of learners struggle with literacy. Following in second with 65.38% is Maguindanao del Norte and with 64.49% is Special Geographic Area (North Cotabato). Fourth is Zamboanga City with 60.72% and fifth is Sarangani with 60.57%.
Completing the top 10 are Sulu (59.63%), Maguindanao del Sur (58.46%), Lamitan City (57.77%), Basilan (57.59%), and Davao Occidental (57.17%)
On the other side of the coin, Sto. Tomas City in Batangas has the lowest percentage of struggling readers with 23.4%, followed by Batanes with 24.38%, Bohol with 25.46%, Mountain Province with 26.32%, and Valenzuela City with 27.44%.
In its LGU playbook, EDCOM 2 also shared that, according to CRLA, those in Grade 1 had the most struggling readers at 74%. The Philippine Informal Reading Inventory as of January 2026 further revealed that 88% of Grade 7 learners face reading problems.
"Because foundational reading is weak, learners fall further behind as they advance," EDCOM 2 said. "While 30.5% of Grade 3 students are considered proficient or highly proficient in foundational skills, this drops to 19.56% by Grade 6."
"By the time they reach Grade 12, only a dismal 0.40% of students achieve proficiency in the National Achievement Test."
EDCOM 2 suggested that LGUs immediately follow the ARAL program in their schools. The said campaign aims to address learning gaps in K-10 students in subjects like reading, math, and science through free targeted interventions, tutorials, and resources.
It also urged addressing nutritional needs of students through supplementary feeding programs and creating barangay reading nooks.
Earlier in January, EDCOM 2 sought to end mass promotions for learners who fall behind.