Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed a law extending the mandate of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) for another two years to continue overseeing reforms in the education system.
Under the law, EDCOM II will continue its work to conduct further research and consultations while monitoring the implementation of the National Education and Workforce Development Plan and the commission’s recommendations.
“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 stated.
The commission will work with key agencies, including the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health, as well as Congress and other stakeholders.
The collaboration aims to align education and training programs with national development priorities and labor market needs while addressing long-standing issues in the education sector.
Among its priorities are addressing challenges related to early childhood development, literacy and the alignment of education programs with workforce requirements.
The law also directs EDCOM II to guide reforms that align curricula, teaching methods and assessment systems with internationally recognized standards.
The commission is also mandated to update the national education agenda by integrating artificial intelligence, digital and green technologies and other emerging innovations to strengthen workforce readiness and future-proof the education system.
EDCOM II co-chairman Sen. Bam Aquino welcomed the law, saying the extension would allow the commission to ensure that reforms translate into real improvements for Filipino learners.
“The signing of RA (Republic Act) 12315 is a monumental victory for our learners, granting us the necessary time to ensure our transformative reforms truly take root,” Aquino said.
“With this two-year extension, we can rigorously oversee the implementation of the National Education and Workforce Development Plans, guaranteeing that our policies translate into real-world improvements for our learners and the future of the Philippines,” he added.
Rep. Roman Romulo, another EDCOM II co-chair, said the extension would help sustain ongoing reforms in areas such as school infrastructure, teacher training and learning assessments.
“Addressing the critical gaps in our school infrastructure and strengthening teacher training requires sustained, long-term solutions,” Romulo said.
Funding for the implementation of the law will initially come from the available appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives and will later be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
The law will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
RA 12315, signed on March 4, amends RA 11899 and allows the commission to operate beyond its original three-year term, which ended in December 2025.
