TACLOBAN CITY— More than 40 lawmakers from different political parties and regions have formed the Congressional Alliance for Philippine Education (CAPE) to help ensure that the country’s education reform agenda continues beyond the mandate of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II).
The alliance was launched during the Congressional Forum on Philippine Education Reform at the University of the Philippines Bonifacio Global City, where participating legislators signed a Statement of Commitment to advance priority education legislation, strengthen congressional oversight and promote evidence-based policymaking.
Rep. Jude Acidre, chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and co-chair of EDCOM II, said the commission has provided a roadmap for education reform, but many of its recommendations will require years of sustained implementation.
“Education reform cannot end with the life of a commission, the term of a legislator, or the administration of a president,” Acidre said.
He proposed the Philippine Education Reform Movement (PERM), a multisectoral platform that would bring together Congress, academic institutions, local governments, civil society and other stakeholders to sustain education reforms.
Under the proposal, CAPE would serve as PERM’s legislative arm, focusing on education legislation, budget advocacy and policy oversight.
Acidre also announced the creation of the Congressional Education Policy Academy (CEPA), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Center for Education and Development, to strengthen Congress’ capacity to craft evidence-based education policies.
The initiative comes as the government seeks to address long-standing challenges in the Philippine education system and ensure that reform efforts continue despite changes in political leadership and administration.
Acidre thanked Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, EDCOM II Co-Chair Rep. Roman Romulo, Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee and fellow lawmakers for supporting the initiative, saying their collective commitment would help keep education reform a national priority.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
