December 18, 2025Dec 18 Photo courtesy of Balita A recent study by UNICEF and SEAMEO reveals the Philippines as one of six Southeast Asian nations lagging in reading proficiency among Grade 5 students. Conducted in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam, the study highlights a persistent low level of reading skills since 2019. This deficiency poses challenges for students advancing in education and finding better employment opportunities. The report underscores foundational learning challenges that contribute to poverty in these communities, according to June Kunugi, UNICEF's Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific. While there is a slight improvement in math proficiency, with 19% of students in the region demonstrating math skills of a Grade 3 level, the overall results call for urgent intervention. SEAMEO Secretariat Director, Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, stresses the priority of enhancing reading and math skills across Southeast Asia. Factors affecting proficiency include socioeconomic status, linguistic, and geographic backgrounds. The study also notes that girls generally perform better in reading, whereas math proficiency is more balanced between genders. Kunugi advocates for early childhood education and catch-up programs, emphasizing that a child's right to learn should not be dictated by family income, gender, or language spoken at home, reported Balita. Key Takeaways The report from UNICEF and SEAMEO highlights a regional challenge in reading proficiency. Persistent educational gaps may impact long-term economic and social development. SEAMEO prioritizes improving basic education skills to address these disparities. Related Stories UNICEF Warns of Learning Crisis in the Philippines UNICEF Launches Crusade Against Thailand's Child Obesity Crisis Adapted by ASEAN Now from Balita 2025-12-18
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