Nearly four in 10 students in Metro Manila are struggling to read, a problem the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) linked to uneven access to early childhood services across the region.

In a report released this week, EDCOM 2 said Pasay posted the highest share of struggling readers at 47.50 percent, followed by Muntinlupa (45.29%) and Manila (44.43%).

The findings were based on the Department of Education’s Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment conducted as of 19 January.

Other cities posting high proportions include Las Piñas (44.2%); Parañaque (43.87%); Navotas (43.2%); Malabon (43.18%); Mandaluyong (41.43%); Pateros (41.19%); and Quezon City (39.71%).

Rates were slightly lower in Pasig (39.36%), Marikina (38.10%), Taguig (38.03%) and San Juan (36.63%).

Meanwhile, Valenzuela recorded the lowest share of struggling readers at 27.44%, followed by Makati (32.19%) and Caloocan (33.07%).

Service gaps flagged

EDCOM 2 stressed that literacy outcomes appear tied to gaps in early childhood programs, noting that 761 barangays in Metro Manila have no child development centers—including 479 in Manila and 116 in Pasay.

“These findings substantiate the importance of EDCOM 2’s earlier recommendation to create protected time in the school calendar for intensive remediation and to pursue out-of-the-box solutions to address learning gaps,” the commission said.

National data show the problem extends beyond Metro Manila: most Grades 4 to 10 students nationwide fall under “struggling reader,” with rates ranging from 67% in Grade 5 to 88% in Grade 7.

EDCOM 2 executive director Karol Mark Yee said local leaders must take a more active role in reversing literacy declines.

“Our country’s future is at stake, but we have seen what happens when a mayor takes charge,” Yee said.