English: Gatchalian recalled that even before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, international large-scale assessments show that the country's learners are already struggling to meet the minimum required proficiency in Reading. In the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Philippines scored lowest in Reading out of 79 countries that participated. Results of the PISA further show that only one out five learners aged 15 achieved at least the minimum proficiency level in Overall Reading Literacy.
Filipino: Matatandaan na bago pa sumiklab ang pandemya ng COVID-19, lumabas sa mga international large-scale assessments na napag-iiwanan na ang mga Pilipinong mag-aaral ng mga mag-aaral sa ibang bansa. Sa 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) kung saan 79 mga bansa ang lumahok, Pilipinas ang may pinakamababang marka pagdating sa Reading o Pagbasa. Ayon pa sa PISA, isa lamang sa limang mag-aaral na 15 taong gulang ang maituturing na nakakuha ng minimum proficiency sa Overall Reading Literacy.