Manila Bulletin – EDCOM II: Legarda calls for urgent reform to solve education crisis
The Philippines is confronting a significant education crisis, prompting calls for urgent and sustained reform. Senator Loren Legarda recently emphasized the need for action following the submission of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II)’s Final Report to the Senate on January 27, 2026.
A Stark Assessment of the Current System
The EDCOM II report, titled “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform (2026–2035),” reveals troubling realities within the Philippine education system. Nearly half of Grade 3 learners are unable to read at their grade level, and a substantial 88 percent of Grade 7 students are considered unprepared. This decline in proficiency continues, collapsing to just 0.40 percent by Grade 12.
The challenges extend beyond academic performance. The report highlights that 23.6 percent of children experience stunting, and over 213,000 toddlers are not reached by feeding programs. Thousands of barangays also lack access to early childhood centers.
Systemic Issues Identified
The EDCOM II report also points to issues within the teaching profession. Teachers reportedly face pressure to pass unqualified students through a system that inflates failing scores. Teacher mismatches, insufficient practicum experience, and promotion incentives that encourage diploma mills were also flagged as concerns.
Infrastructure gaps are also a major obstacle, with a backlog of 165,000 classrooms. Learning time is further reduced by over 150 mandated activities, and technical vocational training is largely focused on low-level certifications. Higher education faces its own set of problems, including outdated curricula – updated only every 11 years – and overlapping responsibilities among the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Technological Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Looking Ahead
Despite these significant challenges, Senator Legarda expressed optimism, stating that the crisis is “neither inevitable nor irreversible.” She emphasized the need for both urgency and persistence in implementing reforms. Legarda also advocated for extending the mandate of EDCOM II until December 2027 to ensure sustained focus and the development of long-term solutions.
The extension of EDCOM II’s mandate was supported by colleagues in the Senate, as evidenced by the passage of Senate Bill No. 1483. Legarda believes this extension will allow for a more deliberate and evidence-based approach to reform, prioritizing the needs of learners, teachers, and parents.
Alongside the Final Report, the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan) 2026–2035 was unveiled. This plan is intended to serve as a roadmap for addressing the identified problems within the education sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key findings of the EDCOM II report?
The report reveals that nearly half of Grade 3 learners cannot read at grade level, 88 percent of Grade 7 students are unprepared, and proficiency collapses to 0.40 percent by Grade 12. It also highlights issues with stunting, access to feeding programs, and infrastructure gaps.
Who was present during the presentation of the EDCOM II report?
Former Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Joel Villanueva and Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, were present during the presentation.
What is the purpose of the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan)?
The NatPlan 2026–2035 is intended to serve as a roadmap for reversing the problems in the education sector and enhancing national learning outcomes and workforce competitiveness.
What role will sustained political will play in addressing these challenges?