ILOILO City — While nearly 9 in 10 residents of Western Visayas can read, write, and do simple math, only 7 in 10 are equipped with the higher-level comprehension and analytical skills needed to function effectively in daily life, according to the latest Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The 2024 FLEMMS revealed that 89.6% of individuals aged five and above in the region are considered basic literate, placing Western Visayas eighth in the country. However, only 70.6% are classified as functionally literate, making the region sixth nationwide in functional literacy.
Basic literacy, as defined by the PSA, refers to the ability to read and write a simple message and perform basic computations. In contrast, functional literacy includes the ability to comprehend, analyze, and use information — skills essential for making inferences, integrating multiple pieces of data, and solving everyday problems.
Among the provinces and cities in the region:
* Aklan posted the highest rates in both basic (92.1%) and functional literacy (73.9%)
* Antique (basic: 90.1%, functional: 73.8%)
* Guimaras (basic: 91.2%, functional: 73.0%)
* Iloilo City (basic: 89.9%, functional: 70.7%)
Iloilo Province, however, recorded the lowest functional literacy rate in the region at 68.4%.
When examined by age group, literacy levels were highest among young adults aged 20 to 24, with a basic literacy rate of 96.5% and functional literacy at 78.8%. In stark contrast, only 75% of those aged 60 and above are basic literate, and a mere 56.4% are functionally literate, highlighting generational gaps in education and cognitive skill development.
The PSA emphasized that the 2024 FLEMMS results were based on updated definitions and methodologies approved through PSA Board Resolution No. 13, series of 2024. The survey aims to guide education and development programs by providing accurate, up-to-date literacy data that reflect both foundational and practical competencies of Filipinos./PN
