Beyond Reading Deficits: Literacy Poverty as a Leadership and Governance Challenge in the Philippines

Jason Chavez

doi:10.62596/ekan1v02

Authors

Jason V. Chavez Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University, Zamboanga City,7000, Philippines Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62596/ekan1v02

Keywords:

Literacy Poverty, Educational Leadership, Governance Reform

Abstract

This paper examines literacy poverty in the Philippines as a national governance and leadership challenge rather than a mere classroom reading deficit. Drawing on data from the EDCOM II reports (2025–2026), it highlights severe systemic issues, including a high percentage of Grade 3 non-readers, teacher specialization mismatches, and leadership shortages. The study argues that policy revisions like the DepEd MATATAG Agenda are insufficient without effective, collaborative educational leadership and holistic investments addressing socio-economic inequities, ultimately advocating for reform centered on equity, accountability, and system capacity.

References

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