Lawmakers led by Speaker Faustino G. Dy III on Thursday hailed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing a law extending the work of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), saying the move ensures that major reforms to improve Philippine education will continue and deepen in the coming years.
President Marcos on March 4 signed Republic Act (RA) 12315, which extends EDCOM II’s mandate beyond its initial three-year term for another two years to allow further research, consultations, and oversight of education reforms.
Dy said the law reflects the shared commitment of Congress and the Marcos administration to sustain long-term reforms in the education sector.
“The President’s signing of the proposal to extend EDCOM II is clear proof of the shared stance of Congress and the administration: we are serious about education reform,” Dy said in a statement.
The Speaker from Isabela said the extension ensures reforms already underway will be completed and strengthened.
“This is not a simple extension. It is a clear message that the reforms that have been initiated must be completed, deepened, and ensured to have a lasting impact on the lives of our students, teachers, and families,” he said.
Dy also underscored the resolve of the House of Representatives to support education reforms not only through legislation but also through sustained funding.
The 2026 General Appropriations Act provided a historic allocation of more than ₱1.3 trillion for education—the largest in the country’s history—covering programs for basic education, higher education, and technical-vocational training.
“Congress shows this determination not only in legislation, but also in funding—by providing the largest budget for education in the nation’s history. We believe that the true capital of the nation is the educated Filipino,” he said.
RA 12315 directs EDCOM II to pursue policy reforms aligning curricula, teaching methods, and assessments with global standards.
It also tasks the commission to address gaps in school infrastructure, learning resources, and teacher training.
The measure further requires updating the national education agenda to integrate emerging innovations such as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and green solutions.
Dy said the commission ensures education policies are grounded on real conditions nationwide.
For his part, House Committee on Higher and Technical Education chairperson and TINGOG Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, who serves as co-chairperson of EDCOM II, expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signing the measure into law on March 4, emphasizing that the extension ensures continuity in the country’s efforts to address long-standing challenges in education.
