In an effort to enhance teachers’ skills in creating assessment tools that reflect the standards of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Department of Education (DepEd) Sorsogon City Division, in collaboration with the College of Teacher Education of Sorsogon State University (SorSU), organized a Capability Training Workshop on Developing PISA-Aligned Test Items from August 27-29, 2025, at Antonio’s Hall, SorSU Dormtel, Sorsogon City.
The program commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Alfonso L. Garcia Jr. (Dean, College of Teacher Education and Director of both the BANAAG Research Center and the SorSU Community Lifelong Learning Center). This was followed by a message from Dr. Ana Cristina G. Fortes (Director, SorSU Extension and Training Office), delivered on her behalf by. Ms. Ailyn Delloma (SorSU Sorsogon City Extension Coordinator).
Mr. Ruel G. Frago (DepEd Project Leader, Project SINAG Division Coordinator for Secondary Level Mathematics-DepEd Sorsogon City) gave the inspirational message on behalf of Dr. William E. Gando, CESO VI (Schools Division Superintendent, DepEd Sorsogon City and dedicated proponent of “The Village Program”). Meanwhile, Dr. Aldrin John J. Estonanto (SorSU Project Leader for Project SINAG) presented an overview of the training. This was followed by a presentation of the rules and guidelines by Mr. Frago. The training featured a lineup of resource speakers and sessions:
Session 1: Overview of PISA Assessment Framework – Prof. Marigrace D. Carretero (Associate Professor V, SorSU CoTEd)
Session 2: PISA Content Knowledge Areas in Mathematics – Dr. Ritzelda A. Deri (Professor VI, SorSU Graduate School)
Session 3: PISA Context Areas – Mr. Rhoderick Aninipot (Master Teacher II, Sorsogon National High School)
Session 4: Constructing TOS of PISA-based Tests – Prof. Anthony L. Madrazo (Assistant Professor III, SorSU CoTEd)
Session 5: PISA 21st Century Skills – Engr. Nardito Mediana Jr. (Master Teacher I, Sorsogon National High School)
Session 6: Constructing PISA-like Items – Dr. Ryan V. Dio (Professor VI, SorSU Graduate School/VP for Research, Extension & Training)
Session 7: Artificial Intelligence in Assessment of Learning – Dr. Aldrin John J. Estonanto (Associate Professor V, SorSU CoTEd)
Session 8: Common Misconceptions, Errors, and Challenges of Students in Taking PISA-aligned Test – Mr. Kristopher Hiloma (Instructor I, SorSU CoTEd/Student Affairs Coordinator)
Session 9: Addressing Low PISA Performance of Students in Mathematics (Best Practices) – Dr. Olive Mancera (Instructor I, SorSU COT)
Session 10: Bloom’s Taxonomy and Solo Taxonomy of Learning Competencies and Objectives – Mr. Joven Marino (Teacher III, Buhatan National High School)
A total of sixty (60) mathematics teachers from twenty-one (21) public high schools in Sorsogon City participated in the training workshop focused on strengthening assessment practices. The sessions included practical workshops and group activities designed to reinforce teaching skills.
The training was facilitated by Mr. Antonio Jintalan (Education Program Supervisor for Mathematics, DepEd Sorsogon City), along with Dr. Marites De Ramon from the DepEd Sorsogon City Division Office. It concluded with a message from Mr. Jintalan and closing remarks by Dr. Telesforo D. Escoto (Campus Director, SorSU Sorsogon City).
This initiative highlights the joint commitment of Sorsogon State University and DepEd Sorsogon City to improving assessment strategies and preparing students for international standards like PISA. (SorSU PIO)
