MANILA, Philippines — Cities in Metro Manila are reporting alarmingly high rates of struggling readers among early-grade learners, according to new data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). The findings reveal that literacy challenges persist even in the country’s most urbanized and resource-rich areas.

A report released on March 18, 2026, showed that several cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) have significant proportions of students classified as struggling readers. The data came from the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment for School Year 2025–2026, which measured reading proficiency among early-grade learners.

Pasay City was identified as one of the NCR areas with the highest rates of struggling readers, underscoring the uneven literacy outcomes across the region. Despite the perception that urban centers have better access to educational resources, the assessment highlighted that many children in these cities still face difficulties in developing foundational reading skills.

EDCOM II emphasized that the results challenge the assumption that urban advantage automatically translates to stronger literacy performance. “Urban advantage falls short,” the commission noted, stressing that the issue requires urgent intervention from both local governments and the Department of Education.

Education officials pointed out that the literacy gap in NCR mirrors national trends, with provinces such as Tawi-Tawi and Maguindanao del Norte also posting high percentages of struggling readers. However, the NCR findings are particularly concerning because they highlight systemic issues in areas expected to have better infrastructure and support.

Parents and teachers have expressed concern over the implications of the report, noting that reading proficiency is a critical foundation for future learning. Advocates are calling for targeted reading programs, improved teacher training, and stronger community involvement to address the problem. The Department of Education has yet to release a comprehensive plan in response to the findings, but stakeholders agree that immediate action is needed.

The report serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and educators, showing that literacy challenges are not confined to rural or underdeveloped regions. As EDCOM II highlighted, the struggle of NCR students to read proficiently underscores the need for systemic reforms to ensure that every child, regardless of location, gains the essential skills to succeed in school and beyond.