Makati HS lone public school to make PISA cut

MANILA, Philippines — Makati’s Benigno Ninoy Aquino High School (BNAHS) was the only public school in Metro Manila that scored above the minimum proficiency level in the 2022 Program for International Students Assessment (PISA).

Jocelyn Andaya, director of the Department of Education-National Capital Region, reported this during a Senate hearing of the committee on basic education.

Andaya said out of 21 Metro Manila schools, only six scored above the minimum proficiency level.

“One public, five private schools,” Andaya told the Senate panel chaired by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.

The DepEd official did not name the private institutions.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay commended the BNAHS for the feat.

“We take pride in this sterling achievement of BNAHS that reflects the city’s firm commitment to quality education for all,” Binay said in a statement.

She cited the “effective collaboration” between the local government and DepEd-Makati in attaining the recognition.

Binay said the collaboration resulted in innovations in teaching and learning, which facilitated the continuous education of Makati students amid the pandemic.

Andaya met with Binay at city hall on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they outlined strategies for boosting student support through improved school infrastructure, integrated learning systems, enhanced teacher development programs and PISA-standard assessments.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) scored the DepEd after only one public school passed the 2022 PISA assessment.

“This serves as a wake-up call for the Marcos administration as education remains underfunded and teachers endure underpaid and overworked conditions,” ACT chairman Vladimer Queta said. –  Neil Jayson Servallos