'28% can read but can't comprehend'

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CEBU CITY — Being able to read, write and do simple arithmetic does not always guarantee true understanding.

In Central Visayas, data showed that most of the people aged 10 to 64 can read words and solve simple math problems but 28 of them struggle to grasp the meaning of what they read.

This was revealed by the Philippine Statistics Authority Central Visayas (PSA-7) during the 2025 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (Flemms) Regional Forum held on Thursday in Cebu City. According to the survey, the region's functional literacy rate stands at 67.6 percent, significantly lower than its basic literacy rate of 95.7 percent.

This 28.1-percentage point gap highlights a pressing concern, which means although most people can read and write, 28 out of 100 individuals are unable to effectively comprehend, integrate, and apply information in daily life.

PSA-7 director Wilma Perante emphasized that the findings point to a deeper issue in the region's education system where mastering basic skills is not enough to ensure meaningful understanding and use of information.

The agency said 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 posted 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 news 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.