SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the 2nd Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II)’s indispensable role in diagnosing and addressing the deep-seated challenges in the country’s education system.

Go, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Youth, underscored the significance of EDCOM II’s ongoing work in identifying the roots of the educational crisis and guiding policymakers in crafting responsive solutions.

He expressed full support for the extension, saying the commission’s data-driven research and comprehensive reports remain crucial in shaping legislative reforms aimed at improving access and quality in Philippine education.

He acknowledged the commission’s vital role in bringing to light the magnitude of existing education problems, which have long hampered student learning outcomes and teacher welfare.

“It is through EDCOM II’s comprehensive reports and studies that we clearly saw the real state of our education system — the high dropout rates, the 165,000-classroom backlog, the learning gaps, and the inequities that persist across regions,” he said.

The senator noted that EDCOM II’s findings provide clarity and direction for legislative and institutional action, bridging the gap between research and policy. He added that the commission’s independence and empirical approach ensure reforms are anchored in evidence rather than conjecture.

“Sa pamamagitan po ng EDCOM II, mas malinaw nating nakita kung gaano kalalim at kalawak ang mga suliranin sa sistema ng ating edukasyon. Hindi po ito haka-haka lamang; ito ay batay sa datos, konsultasyon, at malalim na pagsusuri. Laman po ng kanilang report ang mga kwento ng mga batang Pilipino na hirap sa pagbabasa, kulang sa silid-aralan, at mga guro na labis ang pasanin sa kanilang trabaho,” Go said.

He also lauded the commission’s approach to gathering testimonies and insights from those on the ground, stressing that the reforms being pursued must always be informed by the lived experiences of teachers and students alike.

“EDCOM II has proven to be an effective and independent body, producing evidence-based research and concrete policy recommendations that guide the Congress, the Executive, and our education agencies in crafting solutions that truly address the systemic problems in our schools,” Go stated.

The senator maintained that the extension of EDCOM II’s mandate is both wise and necessary, as the challenges identified by the commission require sustained, coordinated effort across government sectors. He added that the continuity of EDCOM II’s work would help prevent policy fragmentation and ensure the long-term implementation of reform.