THE SECOND Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has raised concerns over the slow pace of curriculum updates in Philippine higher education, revealing that the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) takes an average of 11 years to review and revise its Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSGs) for bachelor’s degree programs.

In its final report, Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform 2026–2035, EDCOM 2 noted that updates to these guidelines are rarely proactive and often follow major reforms in basic education. The Commission cited the implementation of the K to 12 program under Republic Act 10533 as an example, rather than efforts to keep pace with emerging knowledge, evolving industry demands, and rapid technological advancements.

Citing an analysis by RTI International, EDCOM 2 warned that decade-long intervals between updates leave curricula unresponsive to fast-changing workforce requirements.

The Commission also criticized the rigid curriculum structure, described as “GE-heavy, internship-light.” While K to 12 reforms reduced General Education units from 63 to 36, the freed-up units were often replaced with additional professional courses rather than shortening or streamlining degree programs. This trend reinforces a long-standing pattern in which Philippine degree programs carry heavier academic loads than global norms.

The rigidity is further compounded by legally mandated subjects such as the Life and Works of Rizal (RA 1425, 3 units), Physical Education (RA 5708, 8 units), and the National Service Training Program (RA 9163, 6 units), which collectively consume significant unit allocations.

EDCOM 2 also identified prolonged vacancies in CHED’s Technical Panels as a major contributor to delays in curriculum updates. Under RA 7722, these panels—composed of subject-matter experts—are tasked with reviewing and setting standards for degree programs. The reconstitution of these panels was delayed for seven years, leaving many members on “hold-over” status since 2018.

However, the Commission noted progress under CHED’s new leadership. As of October 2025, 89 out of 91 Technical Panels have been reconstituted, with new panels planned for priority sectors including Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics.

To ensure Philippine higher education keeps pace with global standards, EDCOM 2 recommended establishing a regular, systematic review cycle for PSGs guided by industry forecasts rather than legislative triggers alone. The Commission also urged greater flexibility for Higher Education Institutions to innovate and a strengthened CHED Office of Programs and Standards Development to support the Technical Panels.