Legarda calls for increased education funding, stronger multisectoral action at EDCOM II Year 2 Report launch

Senator Loren Legarda, Commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), joined key stakeholders in launching the Year 2 Report of EDCOM II, “Fixing the Foundations: A Matter of National Survival,” at the Senate of the Philippines on Tuesday, emphasizing education as the backbone of national progress.

“Today is about a vision—one that is deliberate, informed, and firmly centered on the Filipino learner. The launch of EDCOM II’s Year Two Report marks the culmination of rigorous study and insightful analyses by the Commission and various stakeholders to uncover the realities of our education system and design a transformative roadmap that secures a future for every Filipino child, defined by opportunity, equity, and excellence in education,” the four-term Senator stated.

Beyond vision, Legarda underscored the need for sustained, decisive action. She reaffirmed her commitment to championing substantial increases in education funding, pushing for policies that guarantee access to quality learning environments, and ensuring support for teaching and non-teaching personnel.

“Where do the cracks in our foundation lie, and how can we strengthen it, not merely to stand firm, but to bear the weight of our children’s biggest and boldest dreams?” Legarda asked, emphasizing education as the base upon which innovation, peace, justice, and sustainable development are built.

The report reveals urgent gaps in the education system: Only 25% of Filipino children meet the recommended energy intake between ages 6 and 12 months; deficiencies in foundational competencies emerge as early as Grade 3; up to 50% of the school year is lost due to disruptions such as natural disasters; and 55% of public schools lack fully designated school principals.

The report calls for a fundamental shift in priorities to address these challenges, focusing on early childhood education and nutrition to build critical competencies while ensuring that schools have skilled leadership, sufficient personnel, adequate classrooms, and essential resources.

“Today, we shift our focus to solutions. We must ensure that the recommendations in this report do not remain ink on paper but translate into real, lasting change and are driven by collective action. Every sector, from government to private partners, from educators to household members, must play a role in shaping a stronger education system for all,” Legarda urged.

Legarda emphasized that education reform requires a multisectoral approach, calling for unified and strategic action from government agencies, local government units, the private sector, international partners, civil society organizations, indigenous communities, and community-based organizations to build an inclusive and equitable education system, recognizing that strengthening disaster preparedness, public health, workforce development, cultural preservation, poverty reduction, and peacebuilding is essential to ensuring effective and sustainable learning for all.

To learn more about the findings and recommendations of the EDCOM II Year 2 Report, visit edcom2.gov.ph. (30)