Manila: House of Representatives Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III has expressed strong support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s recent decision to extend the mandate of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). The extension, formalized through the signing of Republic Act 12315, aims to bolster ongoing educational reforms in the Philippines. This legislative action underscores a committed effort to enhance the country's education system over the next two years.
According to Philippines News Agency, the newly signed law reflects a unified determination between Congress and the Marcos administration to sustain and deepen reforms in the educational sector. Speaker Dy emphasized that the extension is not merely a procedural prolongation but a strategic move to ensure the completion and strengthening of reforms that impact students, educators, and families across the nation.
The Speaker noted the significant allocation of resources towards education, highlighted by the 2026 General Appropriations Act, which earmarks over PHP1.3 trillion for educational initiatives. This historic budget supports various educational programs, including basic education, higher education, and technical-vocational training, demonstrating Congress's resolve to invest in the country's future through education.
Republic Act 12315 tasks EDCOM II with aligning educational policies to global standards, addressing infrastructure gaps, and integrating innovative technologies into the national curriculum. The commission's work aims to foster an environment where educational policies are informed by real-world conditions, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
In addition to Speaker Dy's remarks, House Committee on Higher and Technical Education chairperson, Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, lauded the extension as a crucial step in maintaining momentum in addressing longstanding educational challenges. Acidre emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach involving education agencies, commissioners, and stakeholders to drive the reform process forward.
Senator Loren Legarda echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the urgency of implementing concrete solutions to systemic educational failures. Legarda stressed the importance of evidence-based, targeted reforms that are designed to endure and bring about genuine improvements for learners and educators.
The extension of EDCOM II's mandate is viewed as a significant stride towards achieving comprehensive and lasting reforms in the Philippine education system, aiming to enhance learning outcomes, modernize educational governance, and align the system with national development goals.
