THE SECOND Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) on Wednesday lauded the Department of Education for what it called a breakthrough in textbook procurement, after the agency delivered 60 new textbook titles in 2024—more than double the 27 titles acquired over the entire decade from 2014 to 2023.

The achievement marks a dramatic turnaround in one of the most persistent problems in the education system: the chronic lack of complete textbook sets across grade levels.

For years, procurement was mired in inefficiencies, with a rigid manuscript development process dragging timelines to over 200 days and causing repeated failed biddings. In one case, DepEd failed seven times to procure a single Music, Arts, PE, and Health (MAPEH) textbook due to impractical requirements for integrated titles that did not exist in the market.

“EDCOM 2 came out with a study that only two grades out of ten have a complete set of textbooks,” noted Senator Win Gatchalian, EDCOM 2 Commissioner.

“Of course we all know that textbooks are essential for improved learner outcomes. I understand that ₱12 billion will be allocated next year, and I support proposals to allocate even more,” he added.

DepEd officials, led by Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, reported that under EDCOM 2’s guidance, the agency has streamlined procurement, cutting the process from 210 days to just 60.

Instead of restarting manuscript development annually, the department now pre-accredits titles developed by the private sector—an approach that expedites delivery and strengthens the local publishing industry in line with the Book Development Law.

Another key reform was the decentralization of procurement. Regional offices can now select textbooks from a central menu and handle their own acquisitions, enabling faster and more localized distribution.

Delivery has also been integrated into suppliers’ contracts, solving long-standing logistical problems that previously left textbooks and laptops stranded in warehouses.

Senator Bam Aquino expressed support for the new decentralized system but stressed the need for accountability.