Philippines must sustain education gains through unified approach, Senate leader says

MANILA — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian called Wednesday for a comprehensive review of the country's education policies as the Philippines posted gains in the latest PISA rankings, the international standardized assessment that measures student competencies in reading, mathematics, and science.

While acknowledging the improvement in PISA results, Gatchalian stressed that the nation must not become complacent about its education system. He underscored the need for a sustained, collaborative approach involving government agencies, educational institutions, and stakeholders to build on recent advances and address systemic challenges that continue to plague Philippine schools.

The Senate President's remarks reflect growing recognition among lawmakers that improving student outcomes requires coordinated policy action across multiple fronts. Education officials and administrators must work in tandem to identify which interventions have proven effective and scale them broadly, he indicated.

The PISA assessment, conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, serves as a key benchmark for comparing student achievement across participating nations. The Philippines' improved standing in the 2025 edition signals progress in its long-running education reform efforts, though analysts say further improvements will depend on sustained commitment and resources.