Marcos, Angara praise schools, partners behind PH’s PISA gains

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara led on Monday the national recognition of all those behind the Philippines’ historic gains in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

These included educators, learners, parents, local government leaders, and public and private partners.

Attending the thanksgiving gathering at President Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino National High School were representatives and supporters from 20 public and private schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) that participated in the assessment.

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The Philippines has emerged as the world’s fastest-improving nation in reading performance, while securing significant score increases across reading, science, and mathematics compared to the 2022 cycle.

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The results also showed a higher percentage of students reaching the baseline proficiency level across all three domains.

READ: PH improves rank in international education assessment

“This achievement was brought about by years of consistent guidance, encouragement, and support from our teachers, families, schools, communities, and all our partners. That is why today we are here to recognize the people and the institutions that helped make all these possible,” Marcos said as quoted by a statement issued by the Department of Education (DepEd).

For his part, Angara said: “We owe this breakthrough first and foremost to the clear vision and support of President Bongbong Marcos, who made education reform a national priority and gave us the mandate to support our schools on the ground. These results prove what is possible when a country rallies behind its youth. But more than that, it was a triumph of local solidarity.”

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Angara also acknowledged the supporters who stepped up to ensure schools were fully equipped during the global assessment — the local leaders, including lawmakers, governors, mayors, and barangay officials, who channeled local resources directly into participating classrooms.

Electric cooperatives, local businesses, corporate foundations, and civic groups also joined the effort by providing backup generators, stable internet connectivity, and essential school supplies.

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Beyond logistics, Angara praised the deep personal commitment of families, school personnel, and especially the teachers.

“Our teachers and partners proved that resourcefulness and grit can bridge the resources gap. Our educators, especially those who went out of their way to support neighboring schools, demonstrated the absolute best of the Filipino spirit,” he said.

The following are the public schools recognized during the event:

• Amparo High School
• Caloocan City Business High School
• Bagong Silang High School
• Caloocan City Science High School
• Esteban Abada High School
• Jose P. Laurel High School
• Claro M. Recto High School
• Tondo High School
• Fortune High School
• President Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino National High School
• Manggahan High School
• Sagad High School
• New Era High School
• San Bartolome High School
• Pitogo High School
• Taguig Science High School

Participating private institutions — among them, Divine Light Academy, Jose Rizal High School, Arellano University, Servite School Inc., and Inocencio School Inc. — were also recognized.

READ: Improving PH learning gains needs strong LGU support

The education partners recognized at the event included ConnecEd, Frontlearners, Inc., Khan Academy Philippines, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (ITBAP), One Meralco Foundation, Meralco, and Rebisco.

A total of 8,702 learners from 208 schools nationwide participated in PISA 2025.

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“This is not a moment to rest on our laurels, but a clear sign that the systemic reforms initiated under President Marcos’ leadership are taking root. With the continued backing of our local government units, private partners, and dedicated teachers, we will push harder to close the achievement gap and make quality education accessible to every Filipino child,” Angara said. /atm