The Philippines may soon abolish the practice of “mass promotion,” where failing students are automatically advanced to the next grade level, as lawmakers and education experts push for reforms to address the country’s learning crisis. The move aims to ensure that learners master basic literacy and numeracy before progressing.

MANILA — January 27, 2026 — The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) has recommended ending mass promotion in schools, citing alarming declines in student proficiency across grade levels. In its final report submitted to Congress, EDCOM II stressed that automatic promotion and grade transmutation policies have allowed students to move up despite failing marks, weakening the quality of education nationwide.

The report, titled “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reforms,” revealed that nearly half of learners — 48.76 percent — are not reading at grade level by Grade 3. While 30.5 percent show proficiency at that stage, mastery drops sharply as students advance, with only 0.40 percent demonstrating proficiency by Grade 12.

EDCOM II emphasized that the Department of Education (DepEd) must immediately end mass promotion practices and instead provide genuine support for struggling learners. “DepEd must end ‘mass promotion’ practices without delay, and amend its policies to ensure genuine support for vulnerable learners,” the commission stated in its report.

The proposed reforms are part of the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan) 2026–2035, which outlines strategies to strengthen foundational skills, including ensuring that every child becomes a reader by Grade 3. The plan also calls for the full implementation of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program to address learning gaps.

Education experts argue that mass promotion has contributed to the country’s poor performance in international assessments, including the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), where Filipino students consistently rank among the lowest in reading, math, and science. By ending the practice, policymakers hope to restore accountability in the education system and improve long-term outcomes for learners.

The recommendation has sparked debate among educators and parents, with some expressing concern that stricter promotion policies may increase dropout rates. However, advocates insist that holding students back when necessary, coupled with targeted interventions, is essential to ensure that learners acquire the skills needed for higher education and employment.

If adopted, the reforms could mark a turning point in Philippine education, shifting the focus from quantity to quality and tackling the root causes of the learning crisis. The government is expected to deliberate on the recommendations in the coming months, with DepEd tasked to craft policies that balance academic standards with inclusive support for struggling students.