Senator pushes local government action to tackle functional illiteracy
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has renewed his call for greater involvement by local government units (LGUs) in the battle against functional illiteracy in the Philippines. The push comes in response to a disturbing report showing that functional illiteracy has surged, with the number of Filipinos affected reaching 24.8 million. Gatchalian argues that local governance structures are best placed to tailor literacy initiatives to the needs of their communities, ensuring that interventions reach the people who need them most.
Understanding the scale of the challenge
Functional illiteracy, which refers to the inability to use reading, writing, and numerical skills in everyday life, poses a barrier to meaningful employment, civic participation, and personal development. The latest figures highlight gaps in foundational learning and the failure of education systems to translate literacy into practical, everyday competence. Gatchalian emphasizes that addressing this issue requires more than classroom instruction; it demands a concerted, locally rooted strategy that incorporates families, communities, and local institutions.
Why LGUs are pivotal in improving literacy outcomes
LGUs are uniquely positioned to map literacy needs against local realities. By integrating literacy programs with local health services, youth centers, and vocational training, LGUs can create a seamless pathway from literacy to livelihood. Gatchalian notes that:
- Localized assessment helps identify who is most at risk and which communities lack access to learning resources.
- Community-based programs can leverage existing networks—barangays, schools, and libraries—to deliver flexible learning options for working adults and out-of-school youths.
- Budgeting at the municipal and provincial levels enables sustained funding for reading centers, tutoring, and digital literacy initiatives.
- Partnerships with non-governmental organizations and the private sector can scale proven literacy models while maintaining accountability to residents.
Proposed steps for LGU-driven literacy reform
The senator outlines a practical roadmap to empower LGUs in the literacy fight:
- Data-driven prioritization: LGUs should conduct local literacy mapping to identify gaps and allocate resources accordingly.
- Integrated services: Tie literacy programs to employment services, such as job-skills training and entrepreneurship support.
- Teacher and tutor support: Provide ongoing training for teachers and volunteers who lead literacy efforts in communities.
- Community-led monitoring: Establish local committees to monitor progress, share best practices, and ensure transparency.
- Flexible learning formats: Expand evening, weekend, and digital learning options to accommodate varied schedules.
What success looks like and how progress will be measured
Success hinges on tangible improvements in everyday literacy: reading comprehension for daily tasks, the ability to interpret basic information, and the capacity to engage with written and numerical data in practical contexts. LGUs should track indicators such as reading fluency, numeracy skills, attendance in literacy programs, and the rate at which participants transition to further education or employment. Regular reporting to national authorities will help calibrate policies and share effective models across regions.
Closing the gap through local leadership
Gatchalian’s call reflects a broader understanding that national strategies must be complemented by bold, locally led action. With LGUs taking a more proactive role, communities can customize interventions, invite local stakeholders to participate, and build a culture that values lifelong literacy as a driver of economic opportunity and social inclusion. The path forward requires political will, targeted funding, and a shared commitment to turning the alarming statistic of 24.8 million functionally illiterate Filipinos into a turning point for a more literate and productive society.
