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Alexis Romero - The Philippine Star
March 6, 2026 | 12:00am
Commission on Higher Education
edcom2.gov.ph
MANILA, Philippines — The congressional body that has called for reforms aimed at reversing the country’s education crisis will be able to continue performing its role as President Marcos signed into law a measure extending its term for two more years.
Republic Act 12315 signed by Marcos last March 4 extended the life of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) for two years. The new law amended RA 11899, which had given the commission a three-year term that ended last December.
“Upon completion of the initial three-year mandate, the Commission shall continue to operate for an additional period of two years to conduct further research and consultations as may be necessary, and to exercise oversight over the implementation of the National Education and Workforce Development Plans,” the law read.
EDCOM 2 is a national commission tasked to conduct a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the Philippine education sector’s performance. It continues the work of the First Congressional Commission on Education, which was formed by a joint resolution of the eighth Congress in 1990.
The funding needed for the initial implementation of the law will be sourced from the available outlays of the Senate and House of Representatives. The amounts needed for subsequent funding requirements, including budget deficiencies, will be included in the annual national budget.
Speaker Faustino Dy III lauded Marcos for signing a law extending the work of the EDCOM 2, saying the move ensures that major reforms to improve Philippine education will continue and deepen in the coming years.
House committee on higher and technical education and co-chairman of EDCOM 2 Rep. Jude Acidre expressed gratitude for Marcos for extending the duration of EDCOM 2.
Corruption-free voucher program
Meanwhile, Education Secretary Sonny Angara met with school
administrators and regional leaders from more than 70 private schools to ensure the implementation of a “corruption-free” voucher program.
“Right now, we are focused on improving and expanding the implementation of our voucher programs in the country. And it begins with meaningful conversations with our leaders in private education institutions to ensure that our priorities are aligned in implementing the program,” he said.
Angara and the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) convened at the Ateneo de Davao University, where the committee and private education leaders discussed how the two sectors can work together.
Angara said that new guidelines for the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (E-GASTPE) will prioritize learners from middle-income and low-income households.
The meeting was attended by Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines president Karel San Juan; PEAC regional secretariat XI regional program director Ma. Marissa Viri; school heads of GASTPE-participating schools in Davao; and other officers and trustees of regional associations. – Jose Rodel Clapano, Bella Cariaso
