Filipino learners posted their strongest performance yet in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), recording significant gains in reading, mathematics, and science, Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced Tuesday during the national launch of the PISA 2025 results at Caloocan City Science High School.
The Philippines recorded a mean score of 373 in science, 371 in mathematics, and 367 in reading, representing increases of 17 points, 16 points, and 20 points, respectively, from the country’s 2022 results. The proportion of learners reaching Level 2 or higher, the baseline proficiency level measured by PISA, also improved from 23% to 32% in science, 16% to 21% in mathematics, and 24% to 31% in reading.
Based on mean scores, the Philippines ranked ahead of 14 participating countries in science, 16 in mathematics, and 18 in reading. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also identified the Philippines as the fastest-improving country in reading performance based on its 10-year trend analysis, while recognizing the country among those showing notable improvement in mathematics.
In science, the Philippines recorded a positive long-term trend despite an overall decline in science performance globally. OECD Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher congratulated Filipino teachers and school leaders, saying the country’s latest PISA results represent an achievement that deserves to be recognized beyond the Philippines.
“This is a significant achievement for our learners and for the entire Philippine education system,” Angara said, emphasizing that the results provide evidence that Filipino learners are capable of making meaningful progress. He added that while the country should be proud of its gains, the results should also strengthen efforts to help learners who continue to struggle.
Angara said the improved performance reflects the collective work of teachers, school leaders, parents, local government units, private-sector partners, and other stakeholders. The PISA presentation highlighted the importance of school readiness, parental support, local government participation, and private-sector partnerships in improving learning outcomes, while OECD Policy Analyst Rodrigo Castañeda Valle also shared insights on the Philippine results and global education trends.
Despite the gains, the Department of Education said more work remains, particularly in addressing education inequities and sustaining reforms that improve learning outcomes and support teachers and schools. DepEd will also continue working with education partners to promote the responsible use of digital technology and address concerns such as cyberbullying and its impact on learning, with Angara stressing that the latest PISA results should serve as a starting point for a more ambitious push to improve education for every Filipino child.
