About 7 in 10 Grade 5 Students Struggle to Read
Released in December 2025, a new regional study shows that many Filipino elementary students are still struggling with basic reading.
The SEA-PLM 2024 study focused on Grade 5 students, usually 10 to 11 years old. At this level, students are expected to read and understand simple texts on their own.
The study found that about 7 in 10 Grade 5 students in the Philippines cannot do this well. What is worse is that reading scores have not improved much since 2019. The problem has stayed almost the same for five years.
Some students improved, but mostly those who were already doing well. Students who were struggling before are still struggling now. This means the learning gap is getting wider.
There is one clear contrast.
Math scores improved. More students reached the required level in mathematics in 2024. This shows that improvement is possible when there is focus and support.
So why is reading still weak?
The study points to poverty, language barriers, and lack of learning materials. Students from poor families continue to fall behind compared to those from wealthier homes. Reading needs time, practice, books, and support. Many students do not have these.
Reading is the base of learning. If a child cannot read well, other subjects also become hard.
This is not about blaming teachers or students. It is about making reading a top priority—early, consistent, and supported.
Because if students cannot read the first page, learning cannot move forward.
⌨ ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ
