Alden Richards takes on a meaningful journey beyond entertainment as he explores the struggles faced by Filipino learners in Rebuilding Broken Rooms: A GMA Public Affairs Education Special, airing this Saturday, 8 August.

The documentary delves into the country’s ongoing education challenges, particularly the decline in reading comprehension among students. A 2022 World Bank report revealed that a majority of 10-year-old Filipino children have difficulty reading and understanding simple texts, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to address the learning gap.

For Alden, the project carries a personal connection. Having experienced leaving school early to help support his family, the actor has long been an advocate for education. Through various initiatives, he has supported aspiring students and helped provide learning opportunities for children in communities with limited resources.

The documentary brings viewers to different parts of the country, beginning with Tinungkaan Elementary School in Alabel, Sarangani, a school identified by EDCOM II as having one of the highest concentrations of struggling readers nationwide. Despite difficult daily journeys involving rivers and mountain paths, students and teachers continue to persevere in pursuing education.

Alden also visits Rosauro Almario Elementary School in Tondo, Manila, where many students struggle with basic reading skills. Among them is Grade 2 learner Jannah Will, who continues to work on reading despite missing classes at times due to financial difficulties. A nearby school building has remained unusable after a fire, adding to the challenges faced by the community.

The documentary also highlights the shortage of classrooms affecting schools in various areas. At Ciudad Nuevo Elementary School in Naic, Cavite, educators have created temporary learning spaces to accommodate students. In Calubcob Elementary School, unused housing units have been converted into classrooms, where learners and teachers cope with heat, noise, and conditions that are far from ideal.

As Alden meets students and educators across different communities, he discovers a reality that leaves a lasting impression: many children have grown accustomed to circumstances that should never be considered normal.

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