Leaders from the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority have committed to implementing the National Education and Workforce Development Plan 2026-2035. The plan was released by the Second Congressional Commission on Education, known as Edcom 2.
Report Submission and Key Findings
On January 29, the leaders of the three agencies formally submitted the report, titled “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform,” to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at a ceremony in Malacañang. Education Secretary Sonny Angara described the Edcom 2 report as providing an “honest and evidence-based picture” of the current state of education in the Philippines.
Angara emphasized that addressing the “learning crisis” requires a unified government approach, stating, “The roadmap is clear, but delivery will depend on how well the entire government moves together.” He indicated the report will prompt the Department of Education to accelerate its efforts with increased focus and discipline.
According to Angara, the primary challenge now lies in execution, requiring sustained commitment, aligned budgets, and shared accountability for educational outcomes.
Sector-Specific Responses
CHEd chairman Shirley Agrupis characterized the report as a “compass” for the education sector, asserting that short-term fixes are insufficient to address the identified concerns. Agrupis stated that the issues highlighted in the report are longstanding but require immediate attention, noting, “The education concerns the Report identifies are not new, but they can no longer be postponed.”
TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez highlighted the importance of workforce preparedness, framing the launch of the plan as a “critical juncture” for Filipino workers. Benitez affirmed TESDA’s commitment to providing training and employment opportunities, stating, “We know that skills are the most valuable currency.”
What Could Happen Next
Following the report submission, it is likely that each agency will begin the process of aligning its internal strategies and budgets with the recommendations outlined in the National Education and Workforce Development Plan. A possible next step could involve the establishment of joint task forces to facilitate collaboration and ensure coordinated implementation. Analysts expect ongoing monitoring and evaluation of progress will be crucial to assess the plan’s effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Edcom 2 report?
The report, titled “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform,” provides a roadmap for addressing the learning crisis and improving the education sector in the Philippines.
Who is responsible for implementing the plan?
The Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority have all vowed to implement the National Education and Workforce Development Plan 2026-2035.
What is the timeframe for this plan?
The plan covers the period from 2026 to 2035.
How will the success of this plan be measured?
