EDCOM 2: Metro Manila cities record high rate of struggling readers despite being ‘developed’

Cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) displayed a high number of early-grade learners who are struggling in reading, according to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), despite being developed and resource-rich. 

Released on March 18, the data came from the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment of the Department of Education (DepEd) administered during the school year 2025–2026, where learners were evaluated on their reading comprehension to create interventions with what may apply to the problem.

Among the areas in NCR, Pasay topped the list with 47.50 percent of its early-grade learners exhibiting reading difficulties. 

Following on the list were Muntinlupa with 45.29 percent, Manila with 44.43 percent, Las Piñas with 44.22 percent and Parañaque with 43.87 percent. 

Areas which recorded at least 40 percent struggling readers include Navotas with 43.20 percent, Malabon with 43.18 percent, Mandaluyong with 41.43 percent, and Pateros 41.19 percent. 

Among the places with lower percentages, ranging from 32 to 39 percent, compared to the aforementioned ones were Quezon City, Pasig, Marikina, Taguig, San Juan, Caloocan, and Makati. 

Valenzuela City had the lowest rate of struggling readers with 27.44 percent. 

“These findings substantiate the importance of EDCOM 2’s earlier recommendation to create protected time in the school calendar for intensive remediation and to pursue out-of-the-box solutions to address learning gaps,” EDCOM II said in their report. 

EDCOM II Communications and Advocacy Head Luigi Conti stated that that the key factors behind these literacy issues in Metro Manila are severe school congestion, lack of classrooms resulting in schedule shifts, and high rate of migration from provinces.

These factors, according to Luigi, asserted the declining urban advantages across the cities in the region. 

“In short, the presumed ‘urban advantage’ is canceled out by the sheer volume of students, reduced learning hours per child, and socioeconomic challenges in urban centers,” he said. 

Conti noted that there is also a lack of development centers in most barangays in Metro Manila, leading to insufficient support for activities that promote literacy and other needed learning skills. 

EDCOM II urged DepEd and NCR local government units for immediate intervention to prevent the education crisis from worsening.