In the Philippines, Some High School Students Cannot Read

The previous Aquino administration in the Philippines had this dream, "Every Child a Reader by Grade 1". Dreams, however, become reality only with correct actions and genuine effort. And in education, such goals can only be reached with adequate resources. For instance, when schools are forced into multiple shifts because of congestion, instructional time is severely compromised. The shortage can be exacerbated by adding more years to basic education and at the same time, imposing a performance merit system based on mass promotion. Years after the introduction of K to 12, Kara David documents a disconcerting situation in one of the high schools in the capital region of the Philippines: Students currently enrolled in seventh grade cannot read.

The documentary shows high school students who are struggling in phonetics in their mother tongue.

Above taken from GMA Documentary

One child tells the story of lessons on basic reading being rushed through third grade as the cause of being left way behind. One can therefore ask what has been happening in kindergarten and the first two grades of elementary school. Some students do not even know the name of colors so some of the class periods in high school are devoted to coloring.

Above taken from GMA Documentary

In the elementary years, students are taught to read. This is basic education. In fact, it is important that children at a young age develop a love for reading. The reason is simple, reading is an important gateway to learning. In the early years of schooling, students learn to read. In high school, students read to learn. When high school takes the role of elementary school, the years added to basic education simply become years of elementary education.

Above taken from GMA Documentary