* Functional Literacy: While a high percentage of Filipinos can read and write, the level of *functional literacy* (the ability to apply reading and writing skills to everyday life) may be lower. This means many individuals can read and write basic words and sentences but lack the comprehension skills necessary to navigate complex texts or participate fully in society.
* Regional Disparities: Literacy rates vary significantly across regions. More remote and less developed areas often have lower literacy rates than urban centers.
* Language: The Philippines has a multitude of languages and dialects. While Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English are official languages, many individuals primarily speak a regional language. Literacy in one language doesn't automatically translate to literacy in another. Someone literate in their native dialect may have limited literacy in Filipino or English.
In short, while the official literacy rate is very high, focusing solely on that number can be misleading. Understanding the complexities of functional literacy and regional variations is crucial for a complete picture. You'll find slightly different numbers depending on the source and the methodology used, but generally, the overall literacy rate is extremely high, yet the quality and application of those literacy skills show more variation.