SENATOR Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan co-sponsored Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 8 calling for the adoption of the National Education and Workforce Development Plan 2026–2035 and the recommendations of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, or EDCOM 2, as the government’s 10-year policy framework.

Pangilinan said the findings and recommendations of EDCOM 2 confirm that the country’s education system has long been neglected, stressing that a collective and decisive effort is needed to rebuild and fix it.

“EDCOM 2 confirms the long-standing problems of our education system. Classrooms are overcrowded. Teachers and students are exhausted, yet learning outcomes remain poor. The resolution makes it clear that the education sector must be saved. If a child in Grade 3 cannot read, or if a high school student cannot do basic math, we are effectively cursing the future of our children and our country,” Pangilinan said.

The senator emphasized that the concurrent resolution seeks to institutionalize reforms through a clear, time-bound national plan that will guide education and workforce development policies over the next decade.

He also urged the government to ensure sustained action and accountability across both houses of Congress in implementing the proposed reforms.

“We are giving the entire system a chance to fight, even in a difficult political environment. After the work of EDCOM 2, our work begins,” Pangilinan added.