Forum tackles functional literacy in Central Visayas

Local

A PERSON may know how to read, write, and solve simple math problems, but that does not always mean they understand what they read.

In Central Visayas, 28 out of every 100 individuals aged 10 to 64 face this exact issue. They can read and compute, but they struggle to comprehend the information they encounter.

The Philippine Statistics Authority-Central Visayas (PSA-7) presented this finding during the 2025 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey or Flemms Regional Forum on Thursday, May 29, in Cebu City.

The survey showed that 92.2 percent of people aged five years and older in the region are basically literate.

This means they can read and write a simple message in any language and perform basic arithmetic.

However, only 67.6 percent of those aged 10 to 64 are functionally literate, meaning they can read, write, and compute with understanding.

According to PSA 7, functional literacy includes not only basic skills but also the ability to understand and apply written information in real-life situations. This involves tasks such as following directions, interpreting news, and reading medication labels.

Neil Nadrew Menjares, chief economic development specialist from the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, emphasized the need for programs that improve both understanding and practical literacy skills across the region.

The survey also revealed that the province of Bohol recorded a higher basic literacy rate than Cebu. Bohol posted 94.2 percent in 2024, while Cebu reached 90.62 percent.

These figures contributed to the overall regional average, which remains above the national rate of 90 percent.

Alongside literacy levels, the forum also featured results from the 2024 Mass Media Survey.

Online or digital newspapers emerged as the most used reading platform in Central Visayas, with 64.6 percent of respondents choosing them over traditional media.

At the same time, radio exposure dropped significantly, from 78.6 percent in 2019 to 63.7 percent in 2024. The use of printed materials also continued to decline.

The Flemms, conducted every five years, measures how Filipinos use education and media in their daily lives.

Despite the region's high basic literacy rate, the findings highlight an urgent need to bridge the gap between literacy and true comprehension.

Improving functional literacy remains essential in helping people make informed decisions, understand public information, and participate fully in society.(MyTVCebu)