Palace takes ‘constructive view’ of PH dismal performance in math, science, reading

Presidential spokesperson
Salvador Panelo. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang has opted to look into the Philippines’ dismal performance in reading, math, and science in a “constructive view” to ascertain steps it can undertake to improve the quality of education in the country.

According to the results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa), Filipinos fared worst among 79 countries in reading literacy and second-lowest in both mathematical and scientific literacy.

In a statement Thursday, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo explained that the Philippines, through the Department of Education, joined the Pisa “as part of the Duterte Administration’s Quality Basic Education Reform Plan.”

“The Office of the President thus, opts to take a constructive view of the results of this global ranking testing system of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development,” Panelo said.

“As [Education] Secretary Leonor Briones said, ‘We have to see how we rank, how we fared compared to other countries.'”

Following the report,  Briones has ordered a review of the country’s basic education curriculum.

But Panelo claimed that “education officials are on the right track as we address the issues and gaps in the basic education sector,” which include a continuing review of the K to 12 program, improving students’ learning facilities and retooling the knowledge and skills of teachers.

“In sum, our government’s joining in this assessment program signifies that this Administration is unafraid to open the eyes of the Filipino people to the reality in order for us to ascertain what steps to undertake so we can perform better in the aspect of education,” he said.

Edited by JPV