SENATOR Loren Legarda issued a strong call for urgent action to improve literacy and education in the Philippines.

According to the World Bank, 90% of Filipino children aged 10 struggle to read, a crisis that Legarda says requires immediate attention.

“Without literacy, there is no progress. Education breaks the cycle of poverty and inequality. We need to ensure that every Filipino has access to quality education—no excuses, no delays,” Legarda declared.

International Literacy Day, celebrated since 1967, reminds the world of the critical role literacy plays in building just and sustainable societies.

This year’s theme, Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace, emphasizes the need for literacy in fostering unity and progress.

Legarda, a long-time champion of education reform, has already made key strides through her legislative efforts.

She was instrumental in the passage of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act or Republic Act No. 10687, which streamlined scholarships and loans for students, and the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, providing free higher education in State Universities and Colleges and Local Universities and Colleges.

“Laws are in place, but we need stronger implementation to ensure they truly benefit our students. The future of our nation depends on how well we educate our youth,” Legarda concluded.