Filipino students posted their strongest performance yet in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), recording significant gains in reading, mathematics, and science compared with the country’s 2022 results.
The Philippines scored 373 in science, 371 in mathematics, and 367 in reading in the 2025 assessment—up by 17, 16, and 20 points, respectively.
When ranked from the bottom, the Philippines placed 15th in science, 17th in mathematics, and 19th in reading, surpassing 14 education systems in science, 16 in mathematics, and 18 in reading.
The improvement marks a sharp turnaround from 2022, when the Philippines ranked third from the bottom in science and sixth from the bottom in both mathematics and reading among 81 participating countries and economies.
The OECD, which administers PISA every three years, also identified the Philippines among the education systems that recorded the biggest changes in performance between 2022 and 2025.
More Students Reach Basic Proficiency
The latest results also showed an increase in the share of Filipino students reaching Level 2 or higher, the baseline proficiency level in PISA.
In science, the proportion rose from 23% to 32%. Mathematics increased from 16% to 21%, while reading improved from 24% to 31%.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara described the results as a significant achievement for Filipino learners and the education system.
“More than the numbers, we are seeing evidence that our learners are capable of making real and meaningful progress,” Angara said during the national launch at Caloocan City Science High School.
OECD Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher also congratulated Filipino teachers and school leaders, saying the country’s progress deserves recognition beyond its borders.
Bullying Still a Concern
While academic performance improved, the assessment also pointed to continuing challenges inside schools, particularly bullying.
The share of students who said classmates made fun of them increased from 22% in 2022 to 33% in 2025, while reports of rumors being spread rose from 15% to 19%.
Physical bullying declined slightly from 16% to 15%, while reported threats remained at 19%.
The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EdCom 2) welcomed the results, saying the country’s education reforms are “on the right track” and “gaining momentum.”
