Dy credits teachers for PH rise in global student performance

Speaker Faustino Dy III —Photo from his office MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III congratulated Filipino teachers and school leaders on Wednesday for their hard work and sacrifices, which led to the Philippines’ improved performance in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa). “In the latest PISA assessment, the Philippines recorded our highest scores in reading, mathematics, and science. The Philippines has been recognized as being the fastest-improving country in reading performance over the past decade. Congratulations to our teachers and school leaders,” Dy said in Filipino in his message for National Teachers’ Month. 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. Article continues after this advertisement READ: PH improves rank in international education assessment Dy said the latest results should encourage the country to build on its progress and continue working to raise the quality of Philippine education. “Though we have much more to do to raise the quality of education, it’s clear that we’re moving forward. And a big part of this progress is because of your teachers who teach every day, guiding and sacrificing for our youth,” he said. Dy acknowledged that teachers continue to work under challenging circumstances, including large classes, limited resources, heavy paperwork, and numerous responsibilities. “It’s not easy to be a teacher. Every day, you face different challenges — large classes, limited resources, mountains of paperwork, and so many responsibilities. And sometimes, even when you’re going through your own difficulties, you still show up and give your best for your students,” he said. Article continues after this advertisement Teachers go far beyond the lessons they give inside the classroom. They also help shape the character, aspirations, and future of their students, Dy stressed. READ: Marcos vows to sustain PH education push after PISA gains Article continues after this advertisement “You teach dreams. You give hope. You inspire our young people to believe in themselves and become better Filipinos,” he said. “Someday, your student may become a doctor, a teacher, a farmer, an entrepreneur, a 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,” he said. Dy said the impact of teachers ultimately extends beyond individual students and contributes to building a stronger nation. “This is the unique power of a teacher. Your lessons may begin in the classroom, but their impact can last a lifetime and help build a better Philippines,” he said. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. “So, to our teachers, thank you very much. Thank you for teaching. Thank you for believing. And thank you for helping shape the future of our nation.” /atm