Abdiel Franz Bernales

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) Co-Chairperson, Rep. Mark Go, expressed strong support for education reforms in a meeting at the House of Representatives on January 12, following the release of EDCOM 2's Year Two Report.

Photo Courtesy of Reuters.

In higher education, the national dropout rate remains alarmingly high at 39%, while subsidies for tertiary education among the poorest have significantly declined from 74.24% in 2018 to 30.74% in 2022.

Further issues include the misalignment of higher education policies, where the existing rigid, research-focused approach does not suit all institutions.

The session, attended by fellow Co-Chairperson Rep. Roman Romulo and other members of the House of Representatives, was led by Executive Director Karol Mark Yee of the EDCOM 2.

During the joint committee meeting of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education and the Committee on Basic Education, EDCOM 2 presented key findings and outlined potential legislative actions on critical issues.

EDCOM 2's Year Two Report, released last January 27, illuminates light on pressing concerns in Philippine education. 

The EDCOM II report reveals that the Philippine education system struggles to meet the criteria of a "system" as defined by the 1987 Constitution, which calls for "a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education."

The Philippines struggles in the global education market due to low researcher density and strict visa policies limiting international enrollment.

Through the Commission's urging, recent developments have been made, which include advocating for the prioritization of the poorest students in the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and the deliberation of bills to expand the coverage of the TES.

“The country's demographic window closing by 2045, the next two decades are critical to either addressing learning gaps to improve opportunities and break the cycle of poverty or allowing the learning crisis to persist, making education reform not only a social development issue but also an economic imperative,” EDCOM Executive Director Karol Mark Yee said.

Spearheaded by Rep. Mark Go, House Bill 9982, which focuses on strengthening the establishment and operation of HEIs was approved on its third reading on March 19, 2024.

The HB 10251, or the Dual Citizenship Bill (Amending RA 9225), which facilitates the appointment of faculty, researchers, and administrators with dual citizenship in public higher education institutions, was approved on August 13, 2024.

Rep. Mark Go, Chairman of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, in his statement, accentuated the urgency of reforms. 

"We must urgently reform our education system by acting decisively on EDCOM 2's clear roadmap, ensuring its recommendations become reality," he stated.