SPEAKER DY CREDITS TEACHERS FOR RISING PHL PISA SCORES

Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Wednesday congratulated Filipino teachers and school leaders for 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 the many challenges confronting the sector.

In his message for National Teachers’ Month, Speaker 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 PISA assessment, naitala ng Pilipinas ang pinakamataas nating scores sa 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 school leaders!” Speaker 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.

Speaker 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 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,” he said.

The Speaker acknowledged that teachers continue to work under challenging circumstances, including large classes, limited resources, heavy paperwork, and numerous responsibilities.

“Hindi po madali ang maging guro. 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, you still show up and give your best for your students,” said the Speaker from Isabela.

Dy stressed that the contribution of teachers goes far beyond lessons taught inside the classroom, as educators also help shape the character, 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.

“Balang araw, ang inyong mag-aaral ay maaaring maging doktor, guro, magsasaka, entrepreneur, leader—or simply a good Filipino who makes a difference in the lives of others. When this happens, a part of that success will always be because of a teacher who believed in them.”

Speaker Dy said the impact of teachers ultimately extends beyond individual students and contributes to building a stronger nation.

“Ito po ang natatanging kapangyarihan ng isang guro. Your lessons may begin in the classroom, but their impact can last a lifetime and help build a better Philippines,” he said.

“Kaya sa ating mga guro, maraming, maraming salamat po. Thank you for teaching. Thank you for believing. And thank you for helping shape the future of our nation.” (RM)