Unraveling the Reading Literacy Conundrum in the Philippines

The Philippines is facing a painful paradox – a country rich in folklore where mythical creatures such as aswang, kapre, and tikbalang play an important part but leave it with one of the lowest reading rates according to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 test findings. Despite the second consecutive assessment, the Philippines is sinking in the bottom 10 out of 81 countries on reading comprehension, mathematics, and science. This dismal truth leads to an inner reflection on the status of literacy, which sheds light on the importance of diversity and support in Filipino literature.

The enticing charm of folklore literature from the Philippines, with its rich tapestry of supernatural beings such as the aswang, serves as an untouched source for rekindling curiosity in literature. With a world full of screens and instant gratification, such fantastical narratives provide an alternative door that captures young people's attention. The stories of the aswang, a shape-shifting being, the kapre living on trees, or the tikbalang, half horse and half human, have an inert pull that turns reading from a monotonous activity to something riveting.

This is an essential element of diversity in literature that aims to promote involvement among young readers. In most cases, the traditional canon of reading materials does not entirely reflect the identity and experiences of Filipino children. Through folklore and mythology, especially stories involving the aswang, educators, and parents can build a bridge between traditional tales and modern narratives. These mythical creatures become not only intriguing themes but also the transport of cultural pride and belonging.

In this story, the role of adults –parents or teachers – is indispensable. Encouragement is the crucial point of a child's literary development. Rather than perceiving folklore and the aswang, in particular, as nothing but superstition, adults can use these stories for relationship-building and empathy. Parents can narrate stories of the aswang to bedtime, developing a passion for reading from childhood. Educators who influence young minds can inject variety into the curriculum by introducing students to the vibrant world of Filipino folklore literature that includes stories about aswangs.

However, developing reading skills is not just an educational crisis but a challenge to rethink literacy. Reckoned, it invites a break from normative reading to broader and more compelling stories like those of the aswang in Filipino folklore literature. Mythical creatures are not barriers; they are doorkeepers leading the way to a realm where reading is a pleasure and a source of cultural adventure.

Reading the PISA test results illuminates one unmistakable reality: we need a revolutionary change. The fascinating stories of the aswang, kapre, tikbalang, and their kin provide a magical pathway to enchant the imagination of Filipino children. Adults, parents, and even educators can play a vital role in turning the pages of this disheartening chapter by diversifying the literary landscape and establishing a connection with cultural roots.

I grew up in the exciting regions of the Philippines, and I share an appeal elicited by this interesting connection between folklore and reading comprehension. The use of mythical beings such as the aswang, kapre, and tikbalang, among others, characterizes my childhood stories and resonates with the deep weave of life in the province. In pop culture, where folklore is not just a part of tradition but an entity living and breathing, these mythical creatures are cultural threads stitched into the narrative.

Having seen the strength of these stories in constructing our mindset: Folklore should not be considered a barrier but rather an opportunity to improve reading. Such stories, rather than being dismissed as superstition, can transport the minds of young readers. The unusual yet strong connection between folklore and reading competence reflects my perceptions, highlighting the cultural depth enclosed in these narratives. In my opinion, accepting Filipino folklore's familiar yet magical aspects can help close the comprehension divide and ensure that literature is not only relevant in an academic sense but also a physical and culturally relatable adventure for future readers.