Davao City Leads Davao Region in Literacy

THE 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (Flemms) results revealed a mixed literacy landscape across the Davao Region, with Davao City leading in both basic and functional literacy, while Davao Occidental lagged significantly behind.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority-Davao (PSA–Davao), which presented the regional data during a stakeholders’ forum held at Acacia Hotel on May 28, 2025, Davao City recorded the highest basic literacy rate at 93.5 percent, surpassing the national average of 90.0 percent. In contrast, Davao Occidental posted the lowest rate in the region at just 74.2 percent, raising concerns about access to and the quality of education in the province.

Basic literacy refers to the ability to read and write a simple message with understanding and perform basic arithmetic operations, measured among individuals aged 5 years and older. Regionally, Davao de Oro followed closely behind Davao City at 91.3 percent, while Davao Oriental had 88.2 percent, Davao del Sur, with 90.2 percent, and Davao del Norte at 88.9 percent, clustered around the national average.

The functional literacy rate — defined as the ability to not only read, write, and compute, but also comprehend and analyze information — showed even wider gaps. 

Among individuals aged 10 to 64, Davao City also topped regional rankings with a 69.6 percent functional literacy rate, while Davao Occidental dropped to a concerning 46.6 percent. 

Other provinces posted moderate results: Davao del Norte had 69.0 percent, Davao Oriental with 67.6 percent, Davao del Sur with 64.9 percent, and Davao de Oro with 65.9 percent.

Nationally, the Flemms results showed that 9 in 10 Filipinos aged 5 and over are basically literate, translating to about 93.07 million literate individuals. Basic literacy was slightly higher among females (91.1 percent) compared to males (89.4 percent).

However, functional literacy across the country remains significantly lower, with only 66.3 percent of individuals aged 10 to 64 meeting the criteria. Female Filipinos showed a higher rate (70.3 percent) than males (63.2 percent).

The PSA emphasized that the 2024 Flemms adopted a revised methodology and definitions for measuring literacy, approved under PSA Board Resolution No. 13, Series of 2024. 

Unlike previous surveys, the new framework no longer assumes that completion of formal education, such as high school, automatically implies functional literacy. Instead, it incorporates comprehension and analytical skills, including the ability to integrate multiple pieces of information and draw inferences.

During a recent Senate hearing on the Flemms findings, alarming figures came to light. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, revealed that around 5.8 million Filipinos are basically illiterate, while 24.8 million struggle with functional literacy, many of whom are graduates of the basic education system.

“There are approximately 18 million Filipinos who may be considered functionally illiterate despite having formal education credentials,” Gatchalian said. He expressed support for the PSA’s revised definition, stating it presents a more accurate picture of the country’s literacy challenges.

Flemms is a triennial survey that serves as a basis for education policy-making and program development. It is a nationwide survey conducted every five years by the PSA. 

As one of the most comprehensive assessments of literacy in the country, Flemms provides vital data not only on reading and writing abilities, but also on comprehension and critical thinking skills that reflect the quality of education Filipinos receive.