The Decline of Reading Comprehension in Philippine Education: A Call for Reform

About the writer.

Hi, my name is Irish Jade Inocencion, and I am an educator that is passionate about boosting Filipino students’ literacy and critical thinking skills. Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how reading difficulties affect the student’s confidence and academic achievement. Many students struggle with basic reading comprehension, making it difficult for them to understand new concepts, express themselves, and acquire critical problem-solving abilities. I truly believe that literacy is the foundation of all learning. Without it, students would face significant challenges in every subject and are less likely to realize their full potential. This is why I advocate for better teaching methods, improved access to learning resources, and a culture that instills a love for reading at a young age. Every student, regardless of their origin or circumstances, deserves the chance to develop good literacy skills. Through this blog, I hope to spark conversations that lead to genuine reform in our educational system. By sharing insights, raising awareness, and advocating for reforms, I hope to build a future in which all students have the resources and support they require to become confident, and of course critical thinkers.

 

The Decline of Reading Comprehension in Philippine Education: A Call for Reform

Let’s talk about something we’ve all witnessed but may not have discussed it enough: why are so many students struggling with reading comprehension nowadays. You’re not alone If you ever heard a student say, “I read it, but I don’t get it”. This is not just a minor problem, but it is also an issue nationally. In the 2018 program for International Student Assessment (PISA), Philippines placed at the bottom in reading proficiency. Which is somewhat disturbing right?

Reading is more than just detecting words on a piece of printed paper, it’s about evaluating, comprehending and applying knowledge effectively. If students are unable to do this, they will suffer not only in school, but also in everyday life such as making decisions and navigating adulthood. So, what’s happening? Why is reading comprehension such a poor state? Most importantly, what can we do about it?

Let’s talk about the decline, what’s causing it? One of the most pressing concerns in our educational system is how we teach. Let’s be honest, students are frequently asked to memorize things rather than comprehend them. Students can memorize definitions and lines in a textbook, recall facts but when it comes to explaining what such things mean in everyday life, a lot of students struggle. Why? Because the system prefers “correct answers” rather than critical thinking. How can we expect students to develop outstanding reading comprehension skills if they are just taught to repeat the material rather than engage with it?

Now, let’s talk about resources. Many public schools lack sufficient books and updated learning materials or instructional tools. Some libraries barely have any books at all! And if students don’t have access to a variety of reading materials (fiction, nonfiction, essays and articles) how can they improve their comprehension? Reading is like working out, if you don’t practice with different types of text, you won’t develop excellent reading skills. Schools must improve access to books, digital resources, and other learning materials to assist students to develop their skills.

Also, there is another reason wherein we can all relate to which is the use of Technology and social media applications. Technology is changing how we consume information. Instead of reading lengthy articles or books, students are addicted to social media, watching short videos, and skimming brief summaries is faster, and let’s be honest, it is also entertaining. However, here’s the catch: reading takes time and effort, and it helps develop critical thinking skills. If students are always going for the “quick version” or summary, what happens? They missed out on the ability to read complex ideas and analyze them, think critically, and make connections with which skills they need for life, not just school.

Also, in some aspects in life, reading just isn’t the priority for many families. It is not because they don’t care, but because they are focused more on surviving. Parents working multiple jobs may not have the time or resources to encourage reading at home. And in homes where books aren’t readily available, kids don’t develop a habit of reading for fun. When it comes to the reading ability of a child, it isn’t just shaped in the classroom, it starts at home. So, if reading isn’t a part of the daily life of a child, then it becomes something students associate only with school and often, with stress.

What can we do about it then? Well, shift the focus from memorization to critical thinking. Our ways of teaching should be changed. Instead of incorporating memorization inside the classroom, we should incorporate or teach the students how to think critically. Classroom discussions should encourage students to analyze texts, ask questions and form their own opinions. Teachers should focus on comprehension exercises, debates, and activities that push students to dig deeper into what they read. Also, schools need better libraries or invest in digital resources. There are a lot of digital resources such as E-books, online libraries and reading apps that help bridge the gap.  Prioritizing this would help students who also live in rural areas. We should also teach smart digital consumption. Well, technology isn’t the enemy, rather it’s how we use it that matters. Instead of saying that we don’t need social media because it only consumed our life by scrolling, why not use it as our advantage? As I’ve said, introducing E-Books and reading apps will make reading more interactive and engaging. Teachers and parents should also guide students to consume more meaningful digital content. As I’ve said, reading will start at home and continue at school. Parents don’t need to be experts in literacy to encourage their child to read at home. Simple things like reading bedtime stories or even just setting a time for family reading can contribute. Also, communities can also provide programs about book sharing or story telling sessions to make reading a fun and social activity.

To conclude, the crisis when it comes to reading in the Philippines isn’t just an issue in school, it a concern nationally. If we don’t give attention and act now, we risk raising a generation that struggles to think critically, engage meaningfully in society and make informed decisions. But we should never lose hope and say “hindi na mababago yan” Change is possible if we should work together, if schools, communities and stakeholders work together. Because at the end of the day, improving reading comprehension isn’t just about having better or higher test scores, it’s about creating a generation who are more capable, smarter and empowered.