Manila: Senate President Win Gatchalian announced that the Philippines' improved performance in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) will play a crucial role in shaping the 2027 national budget. The focus will be on sustaining learning recovery, early childhood development, and teacher education reforms.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported that the Philippines showed progress in all three core areas of PISA. Reading scores increased by 20 points, reaching 367, while science and mathematics scores rose by 17 and 16 points, reaching 373 and 371, respectively. Gatchalian emphasized that these results indicate the positive impact of education reforms and learning recovery initiatives.
Gatchalian expressed pride in the achievements and highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum to ensure these gains lead to lasting improvements in learning outcomes. He stressed the necessity of continuing support for programs like the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program.
The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) also lauded the results, noting the country's best PISA performance to date and significant improvements in reading and mathematics. EDCOM 2 stated that the PISA data, along with national and classroom-based assessments, will provide policymakers with a clearer basis for tracking progress, as outlined in its Final Report and the National Education and Workforce Development Plan 2026-2035.
EDCOM 2 emphasized the need for sustained efforts, working with DepEd to analyze the PISA results beyond rankings and understanding various learners' progress and supportive learning conditions. The commission underscored that education reform demands consistency, continuity, and national commitment.
Despite these improvements, OECD data revealed that the Philippines still scores below OECD averages in reading, science, and mathematics, highlighting the necessity of transforming recent gains into long-term classroom advancements.
