Only one in four Grade 11 learners in Davao City reads independently, data show
EDCOM 2 figures from a DepEd assessment place 46 percent of the city's assessed Grade 11 students at the "frustration" reading level, though the city still outperformed regional and national results.
Just a quarter of Grade 11 senior high school learners assessed in Davao City can read independently, while close to half are struggling readers, according to data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) reported by Mindanao Times.
The figures come from the Department of Education's Senior High School Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (SHS-LNA), held at the end of School Year 2025-2026. Of the city's assessed Grade 11 students, 8,453 (25 percent) were rated independent readers, 10,097 (29 percent) were instructional readers and 15,914 (46 percent) were at the frustration level.
Independent readers are learners rated "Grade Level Ready," meaning they can read, understand, interpret and apply information with greater independence. Instructional readers fall under the "Transitioning" and "Developing" levels, while frustration readers are classified as "High Emerging" or "Low Emerging."
Davao City Schools Division Superintendent Rey Solitario said learners at the frustration level may have difficulty understanding texts on their own, which could affect their performance in English as well as mathematics, science and other subjects that rely on comprehension and critical thinking.
"These figures underscore the need for more focused, sustained, and responsive interventions," Solitario said. He described the results as both a significant achievement and an urgent call to action for the country's education system.
Solitario said DepEd Davao City will intensify literacy programs, give targeted help to struggling readers and equip teachers with evidence-based reading strategies. He cited the ARAL Program, school-based reading initiatives, differentiated instruction and cooperation among teachers, school heads, parents and outside partners as part of the effort to close learning gaps.
Davao City's results were better than both regional and national figures. Across Region XI, 21 percent of learners (18,181) were independent readers, 34 percent (29,708) were instructional and 45 percent (39,171) were at the frustration level. Nationwide, only 13 percent (132,746) read independently, 29 percent (296,662) were instructional and 58 percent (580,721) were frustration readers.
Most regions have more than half of their senior high school learners at the frustration level. Only Region XI, Region VIII and the National Capital Region were at or below the 50 percent mark, according to the data.
Why it matters for Davao
Nearly half of the city's Grade 11 learners may struggle to understand texts on their own, which the schools division says can affect their performance across subjects as they move toward college and work. Parents and schools are being asked to take part in reading interventions.
This article was written by the DavaoNews desk with AI assistance, using reporting by Mindanao Times. Facts come from the original report, which we credit and link below. Our editorial policy
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