Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre (Acidre's Office)

House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has been appointed as a commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), the national body tasked to assess the country’s education sector.

In a statement, Acidre says he is “honored to take on the responsibility” as EDCOM 2 commissioner. 

“The future of our nation hinges on a well-educated citizenry, and EDCOM 2 will play a crucial role in ensuring that our education system adapts to the needs of our rapidly changing world,” he said.

Aside from conducting in-depth assessments, the commission also focuses on addressing issues such as access, quality, and the alignment of education to global standards.

Acidre said such efforts to identify gaps and propose reforms not only boost learning outcomes and teacher quality, but also make the education sector “more responsive” to national development goals.

The lawmaker noted that his appointment was aligned with his long-standing advocacy for education.

He said this was evident in the several measures he authored with Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, which aimed at improving educational access and quality,

Among these measures are the Local Universities and Colleges Governance Act, the Equitable Access to Math and Science Education Act, the Geographically Isolated Disadvantaged Conflict-Inflicted Areas and All Roads to All Learners Act, and the State Universities and Colleges Mental Health Service Act. 

Acidre says championing such legislation strengthens his ability to drive meaningful reforms within EDCOM 2.

"We must focus not only on increasing access but also on improving the quality of education and ensuring that it is aligned with the skills and competencies needed in today’s world,” the congressman noted.

“This is a pivotal moment for us to reimagine education in the Philippines. We are building the foundation for an education system that not only meets but exceeds global standards,” he stressed.