Manila, Feb. 17 -- Senator Loren Legarda on Tuesday underscored the importance of strengthening learning from Kindergarten to Grade 3, saying early intervention is key to addressing learning gaps.

She cited findings of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) showing that nearly half of Filipino learners are unable to read at grade level by the end of Grade 3.

She also pointed to studies by UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) and the World Bank indicating that 91 percent of Filipino children of late primary age cannot read and understand a simple story.

"What begins as a reading problem ultimately becomes a learning crisis. If we fail our children in the early years, we fail them for life. This is a crisis we can...