Kalibo, Aklan – June 11, 2025 – Aklan recorded the highest basic and functional literacy rates in Western Visayas, based on the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The province achieved a 92.1% basic literacy rate among individuals aged 5 and over, and a 73.9% functional literacy rate among those aged 10 to 64. In comparison, Iloilo (excluding Iloilo City) posted the lowest rates in the region, with 88.6% for basic literacy and 68.4% for functional literacy.

Basic literacy refers to the ability of a person aged 5 and over to read and write a simple message and perform basic arithmetic. Functional literacy, on the other hand, is measured among individuals aged 10 to 64 and includes the ability to read, write, compute, and comprehend. This higher level of literacy also entails critical thinking skills such as integrating multiple pieces of information and drawing inferences from texts.

The FLEMMS also revealed a gender disparity in Aklan’s literacy levels. The survey showed that females in Aklan outperformed males, recording 93.4% basic and 78.3% functional literacy, compared to 90.9% and 69.7%, respectively, among males.

During the Regional Data Dissemination Forum held on June 5, Dr. Elena P. Gonzaga, Chief Education Supervisor of the Department of Education Region VI, underscored the need to bridge the gap between basic and functional literacy. She emphasized the importance of fostering critical thinking and problem-solving among learners.

Dr. Gonzaga also highlighted DepEd’s initiatives to address literacy challenges in the region, including the Basic Literacy Program (ELP) and the Functional Education and Literacy Program (PELP), which target non-literates, out-of-school youth, and adults and provide short term non-formal education for those socio-economically disadvantaged to make literacy education more accessible.

She also commended Aklan's strong efforts to uplift the quality of education in the province, noting its proactive approach in improving literacy outcomes.

For more information on the 2024 FLEMMS results, visit www.psa.gov.ph.

ANTONET B. CATUBUAN
Chief Statistical Specialist