As more people get better education in the Philippines, the literacy rate has improved. Between 2010 and 2021, the literacy rate in the Philippines increased by 1.4 percent, and it reached 99.27% in 2021. The ability to read and write indicates potential intellectual development and this is paramount to the society’s economic and socio-cultural advancement as well. However, despite the rising literacy rate, the Philippines is still faced with growing challenges in providing equitable access to quality education. This inequality can be observed in schools and universities that have substandard level of facilities which directly affects the performance of students and teachers. Another problem is the lack of option to study in better school. This is caused by major factors such as income inequality, disadvantageous geographic positions, urbanization, and inconsistent political agenda.
Apparently, children living in rural communities experience the most substandard quality of education. Public schools in the rural communities often have low quality of academic materials, not to mention the inaccessibility of schools located in far-flung areas. Even schools in a highly urbanized areas, there are problems of student quota and lack of resources. The ratio of teachers and books versus the number of students does not meet the required standards. Income inequalities, elitism, corruption, and miseducation are among the other issues that needs to be addressed that hinders Filipino children from accessing better education.
Fortunately, some of these challenges and gaps are being filled by amazing volunteer-based organizations that provides free education and resources to children in the communities. One of the volunteer-initiated projects is called the Kwentuhan Series, a local advocacy group based in Paete, Laguna that primarily aims to teach the love for books and reading to children through fun and engaging activities such as storytelling. Their aim is to help and improve the children’s literacy skills and school performance. As they have limited resources, please support the amazing work they do. Visit their Facebook page at @kwentuhanseries for more information.