President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act 12315, extending the term of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) from 2025 to the end of 2027 to ensure the uninterrupted implementation of ongoing education reforms in the country.

Marcos on Wednesday signed RA 12315, amending RA 11899 to facilitate the continued operations of the EDCOM 2, whose three-year term lapsed in December 2025.

“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 new law read.

Under RA 12315, EDCOM 2 is mandated to work closely with key government agencies such as the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Health, as well as Congress and concerned stakeholders.

The collaboration aims to ensure that the country’s education and training programs are aligned with national development plans and the skills needed in the job market, while supporting long-term improvements in the education system.

EDCOM 2 is directed to guide policy reforms that align curricula, teaching methods, and assessment systems with global standards and measurable learning outcomes, ensuring that Philippine education meets international standards.

The law also mandates the commission to develop long-term, sustainable solutions to address challenges and gaps in school infrastructure, learning resources, training and the professional development of teachers and school leaders to create a safe, inclusive, and effective learning environment.

The commission is also instructed to update the national education agenda and roadmap to integrate advancements in artificial intelligence, digital and green technologies, and other emerging innovations to future-proof the education system and improve the country’s competitiveness and workforce readiness.

The funding needed to implement RA 12315 will come from the Senate and House of Representatives’ available budgets.

The amount needed to continue for the continued operations of EDCOM 2 will be included in the annual national budget, subject to existing budgeting and auditing rules.

The law, which was made public on Thursday, takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

In a ceremony at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Jan. 29, Marcos received the final report titled “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform,” detailing EDCOM 2’s three-year findings on the Philippine education system’s current state and the systemic weaknesses affecting learning outcomes.

Marcos called for a collective effort to implement education reforms that go beyond political terms as he received the final report on the country’s learning crisis. (PNA)