President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. yesterday accepted the final report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, calling it a “turning point” for long-term reforms and unveiling a 10-year plan to address the country’s learning crisis
Speaking at Malacañan Palace during the ceremonial submission of the EDCOM II Final Report and the turnover of the National Education and Workforce Development Plan, President Marcos said the findings underscore the need for reforms that extend beyond his term and require sustained cooperation among government, educators, industry and communities.
“These documents reveal where we have fallen short and what we must do to improve our educational system,” Mr. Marcos said, stressing the urgency of unified, determined, and consistent action.
Mr. Marcos’ appearance at the event marked his first public engagement since he was diagnosed with diverticulitis, after which he had limited his activities on medical advice.
The EDCOM II report, titled “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform,” details systemic weaknesses in the education sector and outlines strategies to reverse learning losses aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and recurring climate-related disruptions.
The report includes the National Education and Workforce Development Plan, or NatPlan, a 10-year roadmap aimed at improving learning outcomes and aligning education with workforce needs.
President Marcos said his administration has worked closely with EDCOM II since the start of his term, aligning reforms with its recommendations.
He cited revisions to the basic education curriculum to make it more learner-centered, skills-focused and decongested, alongside efforts to fill teaching and non-teaching positions and expand career progression for educators.
The President also highlighted the 2026 national budget, which allocates a record P1.3 trillion to the education sector, equivalent to 4.36 percent of gross domestic product, surpassing global benchmarks for education spending for the first time in Philippine history.
The funding will support teacher hiring, learning recovery programs in reading, math and science, expanded school-based feeding, and additional classroom construction.
Moreover, President Marcos said the government is strengthening the Department of Education and PhilHealth’s YAKAP Caravans to improve access to primary health care for learners and school personnel.
