Speaker Faustino Dy III on Wednesday congratulated Filipino teachers and school leaders on the country’s improved performance in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), saying the gains show that Philippine education is moving forward despite many challenges confronting the sector.
In his message for National Teachers’ Month, Dy said the Philippines’ highest-ever scores in reading, mathematics, and science were a reason to celebrate the hard work and sacrifices of Filipino educators.
“Sa pinakahuling (in the latest) PISA assessment, naitala ng Pilipinas ang pinakamataas nating scores sa (the Philippines recorded our highest scores in) reading, mathematics, at science. The Philippines has been recognized as being the fastest-improving country in reading performance over the past decade. Congratulations po sa ating mga guro at (to our) school leaders!” Dy said.
The Philippines recorded mean scores of 373 in science, 371 in mathematics, and 367 in reading in PISA 2025, improving by 17, 16, and 20 points, respectively, from the country’s 2022 performance.
The Philippines was also identified as the fastest-improving country in reading performance over the past decade and among the countries showing notable improvement in mathematics.
Dy said the latest results should encourage the country to build on its progress and continue working to raise the quality of Philippine education.
“Bagama’t marami pa tayong kailangang gawin upang mas mapataas ang kalidad ng edukasyon, malinaw po na umuusad tayo. At ang malaking bahagi ng progreso na ito ay dahil sa inyong mga guro na araw-araw na nagtuturo, gumagabay, at nagsasakripisyo para sa ating mga kabataan (While there is still much to be done to elevate the quality of education, it is evident that we are making progress.) A significant part of this advancement is owed to you, our teachers, who dedicate yourselves daily to teaching, guiding, and sacrificing for our youth),” he said.
“Hindi po madali ang maging guro (It’s not easy being a teacher). Every day, you face different challenges – large classes, limited resources, mountains of paperwork, and so many responsibilities. At minsan, kahit kayo mismo ay may pinagdadaanan (And sometimes, when you yourselves are going through something), you still show up and give your best for your students,” he said.
Dy stressed that the contributions of teachers go far beyond lessons
inside the classroom, as educators also help shape the characters, aspirations, and future of their students.
“You teach dreams. You give hope. You inspire our young people to believe in themselves and become better Filipinos,” he said.
Dy added that the impact of teachers ultimately extends beyond individual students and contributes to building a stronger nation.
“Your lessons may begin in the classroom, but their impact can last a lifetime and help build a better Philippines,” he said.
Meanwhile, House Committee on Basic Education and Culture chairperson Rep. Roman Romulo of Pasig City attributed the success to everyone who worked diligently towards meaningful reforms.
“This is the fruit of all the efforts we have made since the 18th Congress, and I hope that we will not stop here but continue to implement the remaining reforms that have been recommended by EDCOM II (Second Congressional Commission on Education) and legislated by the Congress,” Romulo said in a statement.
The PISA results also showed that less students reported to have experienced physical bullying in school.
“This is clearly a result of several education reforms implemented in the past years, including the GMRC (Good Manners and Right Conduct) and Values Education Act and the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act,” he said. (PNA)
