SENATOR Joel Villanueva expressed his strong support for the extension of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, emphasizing the need to sustain reforms addressing what he called a learning crisis in the country.

Villanueva co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 103 seeking to extend the lifespan of EDCOM II beyond its original term to allow the commission to continue implementing and refining key education reforms.

“As one of the Commissioners of EDCOM II, I have seen firsthand how the Commission has worked tirelessly to understand and fix what is broken in our education system,” Villanueva said.

According to the senator, EDCOM II has made significant strides in its first two years through extensive research, nationwide consultations, and school visits. These efforts have helped policymakers gain a clearer understanding of the systemic problems that hinder quality learning in the Philippines.

Quoting from the Commission’s Year Two Report titled ‘Fixing the Foundations: A Matter of National Survival’, Villanueva underscored the gravity of the situation:

“One in four Filipino children under five is stunted, and many of our Grade 4 learners still struggle to read with understanding or do basic math. These are not just education statistics; they are a warning light for our nation’s future,” he said.

He also cited the country’s poor performance in international assessments such as the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment, where the Philippines ranked among the lowest in reading, math, and science.

“The issue is not effort; it is coherence, coordination, and follow-through,” Villanueva stressed.

The senator said EDCOM II’s findings are already being translated into actionable reforms — particularly in teacher quality, early childhood education, curriculum relevance, and the alignment of education with employment.

“To stop now would mean losing our hard-won momentum and the depth of consensus we have built across sectors. Extending EDCOM II’s mandate is not about prolonging a study; it is about ensuring that these reforms reach the finish line — backed by data, consultation, and urgency,” he explained.

Villanueva concluded by reaffirming his belief that education remains the country’s greatest equalizer:

“Let us give this Commission the time it needs to finish the job, so that every Filipino learner — from preschool to professional life — can truly thrive.”