MORE than 31,600 learners in Grades 1 to 3 in Cebu province were not yet reading at grade level by the end of School Year 2025–2026, according to data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).

EDCOM 2 Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee presented the figures during the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation’s ECCD Convergence 2026 in Cebu.

Based on the Department of Education’s Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment, the Cebu Schools Division Office had the third-highest number of struggling readers among school divisions nationwide.

Around 11 percent, or approximately 13,300 Key Stage 1 learners in the division, were classified as struggling readers.

EDCOM 2 also identified several local government units with high concentrations of struggling readers.

Talisay City recorded the highest number at 2,933, followed by Toledo City with 1,331, Consolacion with 1,211, Liloan with 1,111, and Balamban with 865.

Yee warned that if reading difficulties are not addressed before children reach Grade 4, learning gaps could widen in later years.

He said EDCOM 2 data showed that many junior and senior high school students continue to struggle with reading and comprehension at their grade level.

The commission also linked early literacy outcomes to conditions children experience before entering school.

Around 25,000 children under five in Cebu province were reported to be stunted, based on the National Nutrition Council’s 2025 Operation Timbang Plus report.

Research cited by EDCOM 2 showed that stunted children are 16 percent more likely to repeat a grade, while cognitive damage caused by stunting after 24 months of age cannot be reversed.

Under the National Education Plan 2026–2035, EDCOM 2 is targeting an increase in the share of Key Stage 1 learners reading at grade level from 47.74 percent in School Year 2024–2025 to 75 percent by 2028, 90 percent by 2031, and 95 percent by 2035.

Yee challenged Cebu officials and other stakeholders to establish measurable local targets for reducing stunting, improving access to early childhood education, and addressing illiteracy among Grade 3 learners.

He said clear targets would help determine the resources and collective efforts needed to ensure that no child in Cebu is left behind.