More than 40 lawmakers have committed to advancing long-term education reforms that can continue beyond changes in administrations and Congress, saying sustained legislative action is key to improving the country’s education system.
During the Congressional Forum on Philippine Education Reform at the University of the Philippines Bonifacio Global City, legislators signed a Statement of Commitment supporting priority education measures, stronger oversight, and evidence-based policymaking.
House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and EDCOM II Co-Chair Rep. Jude Acidre said reforms should not end when the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) completes its mandate, noting that meaningful change requires continuity across political terms.
‘A child entering Kindergarten this year will finish Senior High School in 2039. That child will pass through three more presidencies and several Congresses, while government continues to plan in three-year political cycles,’ Acidre said.
To support this, lawmakers launched the Congressional Alliance for Philippine Education (CAPE), which will serve as the legislative arm of the proposed Philippine Education Reform Movement (PERM), a multi-sectoral initiative aimed at sustaining education reforms.
Acidre also announced the creation of the Congressional Education Policy Academy (CEPA), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Center for Education and Development, to strengthen Congress’ capacity to craft evidence-based education policies.
Meanwhile, EDCOM II Co-Chair Rep. Roman Romulo has previously underscored the importance of strengthening foundational learning, particularly reading comprehension.
‘Reading comprehension is the cornerstone of learning: a child who reads with understanding is better able to learn mathematics, science, social studies, and other subjects,’ Romulo said in an earlier news release.
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe also expressed support for EDCOM II’s reform agenda, saying sustained commitment is necessary to improve the quality of education in the country.
‘Education reform does not end with a single commitment. The steps toward achieving quality education must be pursued consistently and upheld with conviction,’ Poe said.