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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider Why 91% of Filipino 10-year-olds struggle to read: Alden Richards' new documentary looks for answers

Why 91% of Filipino 10-year-olds struggle to read: Alden Richards' new documentary looks for answers

Published Aug 5, 2026 04:38 pm

The Philippines' education crisis remains one of the country's most pressing challenges, with millions of students struggling to read, overcrowded classrooms becoming the norm, and many schools still lacking adequate facilities years after the pandemic.

A 2022 World Bank report found that 91 percent of Filipino children aged 10 were unable to read and understand a simple text appropriate for their age, underscoring what education experts have described as a severe learning crisis.

The issue takes center stage in "Rebuilding Broken Rooms: A GMA Public Affairs Education Special," airing Aug. 8, with actor Alden Richards traveling to some of the country's most underserved schools to examine the realities behind the statistics.

The documentary visits Tinungkaan Elementary School in Alabel, Sarangani, which the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) identified as having the highest percentage of struggling readers in the country. Teachers and students cross rivers and trek through mountainous terrain every day just to reach makeshift classrooms.

In Tondo, Manila, the program also features Rosauro Almario Elementary School, where many pupils continue to struggle with basic reading and comprehension. Among them is Grade 2 student Jannah Will, who sometimes misses classes because her family cannot afford transportation. A nearby public school has remained closed since it was destroyed by fire two years ago.

The special also highlights the shortage of classrooms in parts of the country.

Ciudad Nuevo Elementary School in Naic, Cavite, has resorted to building temporary learning spaces, while Calubcob Elementary School has converted vacant housing units into classrooms despite unsuitable learning conditions.

For Richards, the documentary has a personal dimension. The actor has spoken openly about leaving school at a young age to help support his family and has since funded scholarships and school-building projects for underserved communities.

He said he accepted the project in hopes of drawing attention to the country's education challenges.

"Gusto kong magamit 'yung boses na meron ako para maipalaganap 'yung mensahe na kailangan marinig ng sambayanan. Gusto ko maging part nung advocacy para mamulat natin 'yung mga tao sa kung ano ba talaga 'yung sitwasyon ngayon," Richards said.

What struck him most, he added, was seeing children who had come to accept poor learning conditions as normal.

"Paano natin naiparanas sa kanila na okay na 'to? Hindi siya okay. Hindi natin dapat ipa-realize sa mga kabataan na ito 'yung normal na way to be educated. Kasi hindi 'to deserve ng mga batang gustong matuto," he said.

"Rebuilding Broken Rooms: A GMA Public Affairs Education Special" airs Aug. 8 at 9:30 p.m. on GMA.

Related Tags

Alden Richards Rebuilding Broken Rooms GMA Public Affairs Philippine education learning crisis education crisis Philippines World Bank EDCOM II literacy
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