A milestone worth celebrating

For every parent who hopes for a better future, every teacher who works tirelessly in the classroom, and every learner who shows up each day determined to succeed, these results are a reason for hope. 

They remind us that learning recovery is not just about scores. It is about children gaining the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams. 

These gains did not happen by chance. They reflect sustained commitment and evidence-based action to address learning gaps and strengthen foundational skills. Anchored in the RAPID Framework adopted through the 2022 Transforming Education Summit, efforts to reach every child, assess learning, prioritize foundational skills, increase catch-up learning, and develop learners' psychosocial well-being are helping put learning recovery on a stronger path. 

Since 2024, UNICEF has worked closely with DepEd through the Foundational Learning Action Tracker to monitor progress on these priorities. These results, together with encouraging signs from SEA-PLM 2024 among 10-year-old learners, suggest that the Philippines is moving in the right direction. Strong foundational skills in the early years help prepare children for success in school and in life. 

While there is still important work ahead, these gains show that evidence-based action, sustained investment and strong partnerships can deliver results for Filipino learners. UNICEF looks forward to continuing its support to DepEd to sustain this progress and help ensure that no learner is left behind.

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is the world's largest international assessment of 15-year-old learners. Conducted every three years by the OECD, the study measures how effectively students can use what they have learned in school to meet real-world challenges. It assesses learners in reading, mathematics, and science, while also exploring emerging areas of knowledge and skills relevant to their future participation in society and the economy.