“Napakaganda ng literacy rate ng South Cotabato dahil pasok tayo sa top 10 sa buong bansa,” said Governor Reynaldo Sucayan Tamayo Jr..
According to latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) - the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), the South Cotabato recorded a 93.7 percent basic literacy rate and a 77.43 percent functional literacy rate, placing it among the country’s top-performing provinces.
At the core of this achievement is Governor Tamayo’s free education program up to college, which has significantly expanded access to schooling and ensured that financial limitations do not prevent students from completing their studies.
Equally crucial is the strict enforcement of the “no collection policy” in public schools, a measure that eliminates unauthorized fees and protects students and parents from added financial burden. This policy has helped improve school attendance and retention, particularly among disadvantaged families.
Officials also cited the province’s firm stance on maximizing school days and minimizing class suspensions, ensuring continuity in learning and strengthening students’ comprehension and academic performance.
Basic literacy refers to the ability to read, write, and compute, while functional literacy goes beyond -measuring the ability to process, understand, and apply information in real-world situations.
With these combined strategies, South Cotabato has built an education system that not only produces literate individuals but also equips them with the skills needed for everyday life.
As other areas work to close the gap between basic and functional literacy, South Cotabato’s approach highlights a clear formula: remove barriers, invest in students, and protect access to education - leading to lasting and measurable gains in human development.
