The Department of Education (DepEd) acknowledged on Monday, January 19, a significant learning crisis in Philippine schools. This acknowledgement follows data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) revealing a dramatic decline in student proficiency, dropping to near zero by Senior High School (SHS).
A Steep Decline in Proficiency
According to EDCOM 2 findings, which will be detailed in their Final Report on January 26, student proficiency plummets as they progress through the education system. Proficiency rates decline from 30.52 percent in Grade 3 to just 0.47 percent by Grade 12. While EDCOM 2 noted that proficiency benchmarks may be stringent, the overall trend is considered alarming.
DepEd officials recognize the severity of the situation. “DepEd recognizes the seriousness of the learning crisis highlighted by EDCOM 2, particularly the sharp drop in proficiency,” stated DepEd Chief Media Relations Officer Dennis E. Legaspi. “This confirms that learning gaps begin early and compound over time if not addressed at the foundation.”
Focus on Early Grades
In response, DepEd is prioritizing reforms in Key Stage 1, encompassing Kindergarten through Grade 3. This focus is based on evidence suggesting that strong foundational skills in reading, numeracy, and comprehension are critical for future success. Without this early mastery, later interventions are considered less effective and more costly.
The 2026 national budget will fund the full rollout of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, established under Republic Act 12028. Currently targeting Grades 1 to 10, ARAL provides structured remediation to improve literacy and numeracy. DepEd is also considering expanding ARAL to include Grades 11 and 12.
Curriculum and Resources
Curriculum reform is underway through a revised K to 10 framework, designed to streamline learning standards and allow teachers to focus on essential competencies. DepEd also reported a 289-percent increase in textbook procurement, delivering more titles in one year than the system produced in the previous decade combined, to ensure students and teachers have necessary materials.
Addressing Student Well-being and Transparency
DepEd is also linking learning recovery with programs addressing student welfare, including expanded school feeding programs (with universal feeding for Kindergarten and Grade 1), increased guidance counselor availability, and strengthened child protection measures. These initiatives recognize the impact of hunger, safety, and well-being on student performance.
To promote transparency, DepEd is implementing Project BUKAS, making assessment and school-level data publicly accessible to parents, local government units, the private sector, and civil society. This aims to foster collaborative efforts to address learning gaps at the local level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does EDCOM 2 do?
EDCOM 2 was created under Republic Act 11899 to assess the state of Philippine education and recommend policy reforms to address persistent challenges in learning outcomes.
What is the ARAL Program?
The Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, established under Republic Act 12028, provides structured remediation to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills for learners in Grades 1 to 10. DepEd is exploring expanding it to Grades 11 and 12.
What is Project BUKAS?
Project BUKAS makes assessment and school-level data publicly accessible so parents, local government units, the private sector, the academe, and civil society can understand learning gaps at the local level and act on them collaboratively.
If these reforms are successful, we may see a gradual improvement in proficiency rates in the coming years. However, sustained investment and continued evaluation will be crucial to ensure long-term progress. What role do you believe communities can play in supporting these educational reforms?
