A literacy advocate called for practical teaching of reading, writing, numeracy, and communication skills for Filipino learners.

In a radio interview, Frederick Sotto Perez, a former president of the Reading Association of the Philippines (RAP) said foundational literacy skills should be strengthened.

"We have to start with the basics, teach them reading comprehension, writing skills, and maybe, presentation skills that they need in the workplace," Perez said.

The Philippine Statistical Authority said recently that 79 percent of senior high school graduates in the K-12 are functional literate in a 2024 report.

This means that 21 percent cannot understand simple text, its survey said.

Perez also pointed out that educators should enhance learners' digital literacy, communication skills, workplace communication knowledge, motivation, and confidence building.

"It's in our manual that the Philippine education is context-based and competency-based," Perez said.

"We should not only... just follow the curriculum guide. We also study the context in every region of the country," Perez added.

In a separate radio interview, Assistant Education Secretary for curriculum and teaching Jerome Buenviaje announced the reduction of Senior High School tracks from four to two tracks only, to be launched this academic year.

"It is either academic or tech pro, so, meaning you go to a university or you will be job-ready," Buenviaje said.

Buenviaje recognized the difference between schooling and lifelong learning.

"Sometimes, we earn so much in schools but we cannot use it in real life that is why we look for the bridge between the two," Buenviaje said. Kate Christian Ravelo/DMS