Key stakeholders in Philippine education convened for the forum “Shaping Philippine Education Futures: Insights from EDCOM II” at the Santuario de La Salle, exploring current challenges and strategic reforms for the country’s education system on March 21.
The event featured Dr. Karol Mark Yee, Executive Director of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), who presented the “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reforms (2026–2035)” report before an audience composed of school administrators, faculty members, government representatives, partners, and members of the academic community.
The report highlighted key realities in the current educational landscape, including a sharp decline in foundational skills, particularly literacy and numeracy, from about 30 percent of learners meeting expected standards in Grade 3, to only 0.47 percent by Senior High School. These are alongside persistent issues such as malnutrition among young learners, classroom shortages, and gaps in learner readiness.
The findings further show that only four out of every 1,000 Senior High School graduates meet the expected learning standards, underscoring significant gaps in their readiness for both higher education and employment.
“Despite these challenges, we strongly believe we are truly at a turning point in our country’s history.” said Dr. Yee. “We know the solutions and are capable of addressing them. While these issues won’t be solved overnight, we must focus, prioritize, and sustain reforms over the next decade. In the next two years, we need to build an education ecosystem that can self-correct, train qualified professionals, and ensure reforms endure.”
Yee added that the recommended reforms such as increased investment in early education, enhanced teacher support, adoption of a three-term academic calendar, and stronger alignment across basic, technical, and higher education sectors. , as embedded in the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan 2026–2035)
The plan also calls for improved coordination among the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), gradual increases in education spending by 2035, and closer linkages between higher education and industry.
The forum also featured sectoral perspectives from Dr. Carmela C. Oracion (DepEd) and Charlyn B. Justimbaste (TESDA), highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen foundational learning and align skills development with workforce needs.
Participants also engaged in discussions emphasizing collaboration across schools, government agencies, and local communities to ensure policies are grounded in local realities.
Supported by the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, the forum gathered representatives from CHED, DepEd, TESDA, local government units, and partner schools, including NOPSSCEA.
Through forums like this, USLS continues to strengthen its role in national education reform by bringing together key stakeholders, supporting educators, and contributing to conversations that shape the future of Philippine education.