A group of teachers on Monday, November 17, expressed full support for the bill extending the mandate of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), saying the commission’s research and policy work remain crucial as the country grapples with a persistent learning crisis.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), in a statement, said the proposed extension would allow EDCOM 2 to continue diagnosing systemic problems in the Philippine education sector and guiding reforms in curriculum development, governance, and teacher welfare.

TDC highlighted the commission’s “critical contributions” in uncovering long-standing challenges such as poor learning outcomes, excessive teacher workload, infrastructure backlogs, the weak regulation of some teacher education institutions, and persistent bureaucratic delays that hinder school-level initiatives.

These findings, the group noted, have served as “essential reference points” for legislators in drafting reforms aimed at curriculum enhancement, teacher welfare, governance streamlining, and basic education recovery.

The group particularly praised the leadership of EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee, whose active engagement with teachers, school heads, and local governments helped ground policy recommendations in actual classroom realities.

“Mahalaga ang naging mga ambag ng EDCOM 2 dahil malinaw at diretsahan nilang inilatag ang tunay na problema sa sistema, kaya naman naging mas matibay ang batayan ng mga polisiya at mas nabigyan ng pansin ang pangangailangan ng mga paaralan (The contributions of EDCOM 2 are significant because they clearly and directly laid out the real problems in the system. The foundations of policies became stronger and the needs of schools were given more attention),” said TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas.

Basas said extending the commission’s term would strengthen policy continuity at a time when the sector continues to confront learning losses and governance gaps.

“Makatutulong sa ating education sector lalo na sa education committees ng both houses of Congress ang extension ng EDCOM 2 (The extension of EDCOM 2 will be helpful to our education sector, especially to the education committees of both houses of Congress),” he added.

However, Basas also offered a measured critique, noting that while EDCOM 2’s analyses were comprehensive, its recommendations on teacher welfare were “too minimal” given the severity of problems faced by the profession.

He reiterated that any meaningful reform must include substantial salary increases for teachers.

“Anumang reporma sa edukasyon na hindi tutugon sa hinaing ng mga guro lalo na sa kaniyang kalagayang sosyo-ekonomiko ay hindi magiging sapat o masasayang nang tuluyan (Any reform in education that does not address the grievances of teachers, especially their socio-economic conditions, will be insufficient or ultimately wasted),” Basas said.

TDC urged Congress to enact the extension swiftly, emphasizing that sustained oversight and research will be essential in responding to the gaps identified in EDCOM 2’s initial reports.

The group also insisted that the socio-economic concerns of teachers be placed at the center of all education reforms.

TDC’s endorsement came as the Senate on Wednesday approved on second reading Senate Bill No. 1483, which seeks to extend EDCOM 2’s mandate for another two years—until December 2027—by amending Republic Act No. 11899.

In a statement issued November 14, EDCOM 2 said the measure, sponsored by Senator Loren Legarda, aims to preserve the commission’s momentum since its establishment in 2022.

Legarda, who also serves as EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson, said that while the commission is preparing to submit its final report, “significant work remains” and continued oversight is necessary to ensure that proposed reforms are implemented.

Several senators also stressed that the extension is crucial to address the grave deficiencies exposed by EDCOM 2—including a classroom backlog of 165,000 units and chronic textbook shortages.

Senator Joel Villanueva underscored that the learning crisis is far from abstract, pointing out that “one in four Filipino children under five is stunted” and that many Grade 4 learners still struggle with reading comprehension and basic math.

Senator Pia Cayetano referenced the commission’s Year Two report, Fixing the Foundations, calling its findings “battle cries for a Philippines where no child is left behind.”

Other co-sponsors include Senators Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Robinhood Padilla, and Bong Go.

Hontiveros emphasized that genuine progress requires reforms “anchored on sound policy, guided by reliable data, and driven by evidence—exactly the kind of foundation that EDCOM 2 provides.”

The bill also includes an amendment—proposed by Senator Aquino—requiring EDCOM 2 to work closely with agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH).