Once every 3 years, 15-year-olds from around the world are tested on how well they know

their reading, math, and science. Do they grasp these skills enough to use them effectively in solving
real world problems? This is called the Programme for International Student Assessment, or PISA for
short. It is run by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the year 2018,
79 education systems took part. And this year it is our first time to join so how do you think Filipino
15-year-olds did? In the PISA results, Filipino students had the lowest mean score in reading
comprehension (340 points, below the 487-point survey average). They also ranked second to the
last in science (357) and math (353), below the 489-point average in both subjects. Its saddening and
very alarming to know that we rank the lowest. But should we panic? This is our 1st PISA result, we
still can improve. We never joined before. PISA results are interesting and provide useful information
about changes in a student's performance over time but the top-ranking countries are often very
different from Philippines socially, culturally, demographically, geographically and linguistically. For
me, simple country comparisons on a single assessment, no matter how good it might be, just
provide little guidance for policy development and should be viewed with caution.

The disappointing results from the exam of PISA what could be the probable cause and factors for
these. Where does the problem lie? There seems to be an endless list of “suspects.” Is it the
worsening environment in public schools where more than one class occasionally has to share one
classroom? Is it because teachers are overworked, underpaid, and undergo unnecessary harassment
from parents? Is it because the students of today no longer seem to have the discipline compared to
the students of previous generations had? Is it because there are just too many students for teachers
to handle? Is it because our school curriculum is inferior to what they teach in the rest of the world?
The endless blame game against the government and the Department of Education, as if the latter is
the be-all and end-all of Philippine education. These are just some of the factors and I hope that the
government look at PISA scores to see where weaknesses lie in their educational systems.

Of course, to be able to solve the problem we must have an action plan. Immediately following from
the PISA results, I am glad that the DepEd came up with a four program objective to push for a
quality basic education nationwide through its “Sulong EduKalidad” project. The program identified
four key areas namely the review and updating of K to 12; improvement of learning facilities;
‘upskilling’ and ‘reskilling’ of teachers and school heads through a transformed professional
development program; and the engagement of all stakeholders for support and collaboration. The
Education department called on Filipinos to take “active involvement, cooperation, and collaboration
in advancing the quality of basic education in the Philippines.”

As a student, I can contribute in enhancing the quality of education in the Philippines by starting
from myself. For me, education is very important. It enables me to be equipped with knowledge and
skills and to understand within myself, my strengths and weaknesses, values and morals of society,
and my freedom in my life. Simply by the means of studying well, not only by listening to my
professors attentively and getting good grades but by my willingness and attitude to learn and apply
what I learn. I can start by improving my study habits and engaging in my learning process. When I
succeed, I can definitely move forward by encouraging classmates and friends to make this simple
step towards good education. This is not a big step in enhancing quality education but it may be a
good start.

Lastly, I would like to state how science and technology can be one of the key to address the issue of
low ranking in PISA. Indeed, there is no country that has progressed without including Science as a
central part of their development plan. All progressive countries in the world have put Science as a
centrepiece of their strategy. We must improve our science education for us to be competitive.
Without science we will continue to suffer great damage from natural disasters, environmental
degradation and climate change; and we will continue to be poor. Providing competent science
education facilitates students to be curious at a young age. It also cultivates their set of beliefs, based
on the answers to their questions. Science pushes for the concept of objectivity, as opposed to
relying solely on emotions that might hinder proper decision-making. Instead of arguing based on
gut feel or emotions alone, we present data and facts. At the same time, we remain open-minded
about the perspectives of other people. The values of objectivity and open-mindedness, in turn,
enable and encourage people to listen to each other. With this in mind, the current situation of STEM
education in the Philippines proves that we have a long road ahead of us. Nevertheless, this should
not stop us from pausing and admitting that yes, there is a problem that we should work upon. We
must improve the ways we teach science in the Philippines, if we want to see ourselves moving and
thinking forward.