Legarda joins Manila school visit, emphasizes ARAL Program’s role in helping struggling learners

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and Co-Chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), joined the site visit to Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Elementary School and President Corazon C. Aquino High School in Baseco, Manila on May 26, 2026 to observe how the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program is being implemented in classrooms.

“As Chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, I want to see firsthand […]

Legarda confronts literacy crisis in first EDCOM II briefing as Basic Education Chair

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and Co-Chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), faced head-on the urgent challenges in Philippine education during her first EDCOM II briefing on May 25, 2026.

Citing findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), Legarda emphasized that a significant number of students are falling behind in foundational skills.

“By Grade 3, many of our learners are still unable to read. At every […]

Legarda leads Senate Basic Education Committee, pushes reforms for teachers and learners

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda has assumed the chairpersonship of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, pledging stronger reforms to uplift teachers, students, and schools nationwide.

“Sa pagtanggap ko ng tungkuling ito, pangunahing pananagutan ko ang makinig sa ating mga guro, mag-aaral, at mga paaralan upang ang mga repormang ating isusulong ay tunay na sumasalamin sa kanilang pangangailangan at pangarap,” Legarda said.

Legarda’s legislative record reflects her long-standing commitment to education. She was Co-author and Co-sponsor of the Universal Access to […]

Legarda welcomes passage of AICS bill on third reading, cites need for swift, protected aid

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda welcomed the Senate’s approval on third reading of Senate Bill No. 1966, which institutionalizes the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, establishing a permanent legal framework for one of the government’s primary social protection mechanisms.

In her explanation of vote, Legarda underscored the urgency of making crisis assistance more reliable, responsive, and protected from misuse, especially as many Filipinos continue to face economic strain, health emergencies, and climate-related disasters.

“Ang AICS ay isa sa […]

Legarda secures Senate approval of expanded tertiary education subsidy

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda has successfully authored and steered the passage on third reading of Senate Bill No. 1894, enhancing the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act No. 10931). The measure strengthens the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) to ensure that financial assistance is directed to the most financially vulnerable students.

“This measure strengthens RA 10931 and ensures that the promise of free and equitable tertiary education truly reaches the poorest Filipino families,” Legarda said.

Legarda, Chairperson of […]