He also emphasized that the government needs to ensure kearners benefit from the government’s initiatives moving forward.
On Monday, September 28, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. visited the President Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino National High School, in Pasay City.
During which, representatives and supporters from 20 public and private schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) that participated in the latest assessment gathered for a program recognizing their performance in the recent Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) survey.
In his speech, the Chief Executive emphasized that education remains the administration’s highest priority.
“Education remains this Administration’s highest priority. This year, the education budget reached its highest level in the history of the Philippines,” President Marcos said.
He also noted taht the ARAL Program helps learners from Kindergarten to Grade 10 to catch up in reading, mathematics, and science.
Under Republic Act No. 12028 or the ARAL Program Act, the Department of Education (DepEd) is mandated to implement the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program as a targeted learning recovery initiative aimed at providing structured academic support to learners requiring intervention in critical subject areas, particularly Reading, Science, and Mathematics.
Marcos also noted that the revised K to 10 Curriculum enables schools to give more attention to the literacy, numeracy, and other foundational skills of the learners.
“We are also supporting children even before they enter school. Through the First 1,000 Days Program, we champion maternal and child health and nutrition,” the President said. “So as we support our learners, we also support the people who guide them.”
PBBM also acknowledged that there is still a “long way to go” in order to meet the standards of other countries in the region and around the world, but remained positive that with the right support and opportunities, Filipino students can compete on the global stage.
Marcos then urged the parents and teachers to continue nurturing the children’s curiosity by encouraging them to discover the world beyond the classroom and guiding them in using technology so that it becomes a tool for learning.
“Let us teach our children to be intelligent. Let us teach our children to question. Let us teach our children to understand.”
“To our learners: Keep asking questions. Look at things from different points of view. Do not be afraid to change your mind when you learn something new,” Marcos also urged the learners.
During the program, Marcos on Monday highlighted the Philippines’ improved performance in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), citing gains in reading, science and mathematics as the country continues to implement reforms in the education sector.
President Marcos said the Philippines’ scores increased by 20 points in reading, 17 points in science, and 16 points in mathematics.
“A few weeks ago, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD, released the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment, or PISA 2025,” he also said, noting that the survey provides a clearer picture of what 15-year-olds can do with what they have learned.
“After all, education is just about what students know and what they learn. We want our children to understand what they read, apply mathematics to solve day-to-day problems, and use science to improve their lives,” he added. “And that’s why, compared with our results from 2022, we have seen improvements.”
He then thanked the participating schools; school leaders; learners and their parents; local government partners; and everyone who contributed to this milestone.
“We appreciate our teachers who have spent long hours in the classroom, guiding our learners so that they can perform well in this assessment,” the President said.
He also stated, “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.”
For his part, Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that while this global recognition marks a major milestone in the country’s education sector, the true success stems from local communities that wholeheartedly collaborated with schools.
“These results prove what is possible when a country rallies behind its youth. But more than that, it was a triumph of local solidarity,” he said.
Angara also acknowledged the extensive network of supporters who helped ensure schools were fully equipped during the conduct of the global assessment.
The DepEd chief also highlighted the dedication of families, school staff, and 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.
A total of 8,702 students from 208 schools nationwide participated in PISA 2025.
Among the public schools recognized were 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, and Taguig Science High School.
Participating private institutions were also honored, such as Divine Light Academy, Arellano University–Jose Rizal High School, Servite School, Inc., and Inocencio School, Inc.
Among the education partners honored were ConnecEd, Frontlearners, Inc., Khan Academy Philippines, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (ITBAP), One Meralco Foundation, Meralco, and Rebisco.
“This is not a moment to rest on our laurels, but a clear sign that the systemic reforms initiated… 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,” furthered Angara.
