Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go as co-sponsor, backed the measure extending the duration of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), emphasizing the body’s indispensable role in diagnosing and addressing the deep-seated challenges in the country’s education system.
Go, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Youth, underscored the significance of EDCOM II’s ongoing work in identifying the roots of the educational crisis and guiding policymakers in crafting responsive solutions. He expressed full support for the extension, saying the commission’s data-driven research and comprehensive reports remain crucial in shaping legislative reforms aimed at improving access and quality in Philippine education.
“Mr. President, it is my honor to co-sponsor the measure that seeks to extend the duration of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, or EDCOM II, a body that has become a beacon of insight and reform in our nation’s education system,” Go said.
He acknowledged the commission’s vital role in bringing to light the magnitude of existing education problems, which have long hampered student learning outcomes and teacher welfare. “It is through EDCOM II’s comprehensive reports and studies that we clearly saw the real state of our education system — the high dropout rates, the 165,000 classroom backlog, the learning gaps, and the inequities that persist across regions,” he said.
The senator noted that EDCOM II’s findings provided clarity and direction for legislative and institutional action, bridging the gap between research and policy. He added that the commission’s independence and empirical approach ensure that reforms are anchored in evidence rather than conjecture.
“Sa pamamagitan po ng EDCOM II, mas malinaw nating nakita kung gaano kalalim at kalawak ang mga suliranin sa sistema ng ating edukasyon. Hindi po ito haka-haka lamang, ito ay batay sa datos, konsultasyon, at malalim na pagsusuri. Laman po ng kanilang report ang mga kwento ng mga batang Pilipino na hirap sa pagbabasa, kulang sa silid-aralan, at mga guro na labis ang pasanin sa kanilang trabaho,” Go said.
He also lauded the commission’s approach to gathering testimonies and insights from those on the ground, stressing that the reforms being pursued must always be informed by the lived experiences of teachers and students alike.
“EDCOM II has proven to be an effective and independent body, producing evidence-based research and concrete policy recommendations that guide the Congress, the Executive, and our education agencies in crafting solutions that truly address the systemic problems in our schools,” Go stated.
The senator maintained that the extension of EDCOM II’s mandate is both “wise and necessary,” as the challenges identified by the commission require sustained, coordinated effort across government sectors. He added that the continuity of EDCOM II’s work would help prevent policy fragmentation and ensure the long-term implementation of reform.
“Mr. President, I believe it is both wise and necessary to extend EDCOM II’s duration. Their research continues to guide us in crafting reforms that can genuinely improve the quality and accessibility of education for every Filipino learner,” Go said.
To further affirm his support, Go formally requested to be made one of the authors of the measure. “With that, Mr. President, I respectfully request to be made a co-author of this measure,” he added.
Through his co-sponsorship, Go reaffirmed his advocacy for youth empowerment through education, reiterating his consistent call for stronger investments in learning infrastructure, teacher support, and equitable opportunities for all Filipino students.
He concluded his manifestation by expressing confidence that with EDCOM II’s extended mandate, Congress and relevant agencies will be better equipped to address critical education issues—from the massive classroom shortage to the urgent need to enhance literacy and teaching quality.
