HOUSE Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and TINGOG Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre welcomed the Philippines’ improved performance in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), saying the results show that sustained education reforms are making a difference.

Compared with 2022, Filipino students gained 20 points in reading, 17 points in science, and 16 points in mathematics, while also improving the country’s standing among participating nations.

Acidre said the encouraging results reflect the combined efforts of teachers, schools, families, communities, and government institutions, but stressed that reforms must begin long before students enter college.

He warned that children who struggle with reading, mathematics, and science in basic education often carry these learning gaps into higher education, employment, and everyday life.

The lawmaker said strengthening foundational learning remains essential to preparing students for college and future careers, adding that education reforms should support learners at every stage of their academic journey.

Acidre cited the work of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which has promoted a whole-of-system approach linking early childhood, basic, higher, and technical-vocational education with employment and economic development.

He also credited the Marcos administration, the Department of Education under Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee, House leaders, lawmakers, educators, researchers, teachers, and families for contributing to the country’s improved PISA performance.

Acidre said the ultimate goal is not simply to achieve higher international assessment scores, but to build an education system that gives every Filipino learner a strong foundation, continuous support, and a fair chance to succeed.