FIRST DAY. Students of Navarro Elementary School in General Trias City, Cavite, attend the first day of classes on June 8, 2026.

Dennis Abrina/Rappler

Around half of all students in Grades 1 to 3 still did not have proficient reading skills by the end of SY 2025-2026, the Department of Education's assessment shows

The Philippines is facing a significant learning crisis, particularly in literacy among children.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has the highest percentage of struggling readers.