CBCP Calls for Urgent Action on Education Crisis
Local leaders and church officials have called on the government to urgently address the education crisis rooted in severe stunting, malnutrition, and functional illiteracy among Filipino children. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) emphasized that solving this education crisis is a moral imperative for the nation.
In a pastoral letter authored by CBCP President Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, the church leaders stressed that the education crisis demands immediate attention and cannot be overlooked. “To delay, ignore, or fail to respond to the basic needs of our children is to delay the progress of our nation’s future,” community members said. The CBCP urged prioritizing the youth and their education over infrastructure or defense spending.
Severe Stunting and Malnutrition Impact Learning
The CBCP highlighted findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom II), which reported a 26.7% stunting rate among Filipino children—higher than the global average of 22.3%. Officials reported that this stunting primarily results from undernutrition during pregnancy, lack of nutritious food in the critical first 1,000 days of life, and frequent childhood illnesses.
These factors cause long-term damage to cognitive development and reduce children’s learning capacity, experts noted. The church also pointed out the low involvement of parents and communities in early childhood education activities, such as storytelling and fostering holistic well-being.
Functional Illiteracy Among Children Remains Alarming
Another major concern raised is the high rate of functional illiteracy, where children can read but struggle to comprehend the material. The Department of Education recently reported a significant decrease in the number of third graders labeled as “low-emerging readers,” dropping from 51,537 to 1,871 nationwide due to summer literacy programs.
However, a Senate education panel revealed that nearly 19 million Filipinos who graduated from junior and senior high school remain functionally illiterate. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need to address the education crisis comprehensively.
Recommendations to Combat the Education Crisis
In response, the CBCP echoed Edcom II’s recommendations for government action. These include fully funding nutrition programs for pregnant women and children aged zero to four, expanding access to early childhood education, and investing in child development centers and learning opportunities in every barangay.
Church leaders also urged the Catholic Church and other organizations to launch awareness campaigns on stunting, particularly through parochial feeding programs for children. They recommended enforcing early education programs in parochial schools, especially where community day care centers are absent.
Collaborative Efforts for Early Childhood Care
The CBCP emphasized the importance of spreading vital information about early childhood care and development through family-centered initiatives. Collaboration with local government units and community leaders is crucial to effectively implement these programs and improve children’s health and education outcomes.
Addressing the education crisis requires a united effort from both government and civil society to secure a brighter future for Filipino children and the nation as a whole.
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