SENATOR Loren Legarda on Tuesday underscored the need for stronger collaboration in addressing the country’s education challenges as she welcomed the launch of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) photo exhibit, Turning Point: Photographs of Hope, and the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement establishing the Bangsamoro Education Coordination Forum (BECF).

In a message delivered during the event, Legarda congratulated EDCOM II for the twin milestones, describing them as significant steps toward ensuring that every Filipino child has access to quality education regardless of location or circumstance.

“As a former Co-Chairperson of EDCOM II, and Co-Chairperson of the Philippine Congress–Bangsamoro Parliament Forum, I am deeply encouraged by these milestones,” Legarda said.

“They reflect our shared commitment to ensuring that every Filipino child, regardless of geography or circumstance, has access to quality education.”

Drawing from her experience as a former EDCOM II co-chairperson, Legarda recalled her visits to schools in Baseco, where she observed the implementation of the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program.

She said these visits revealed the daily struggles of students who lag behind expected reading levels, teachers working with limited resources, and communities striving to keep children in school.

“The education crisis is not just reflected in data—it is lived every day by millions of Filipino families,” she said.

Legarda noted that the Turning Point: Photographs of Hope exhibit captures these realities by highlighting the resilience of learners, educators, and communities despite difficult circumstances.

She said the images serve as a reminder that behind every education statistic is a child with the potential to succeed when provided with the right opportunities.

The senator also emphasized the importance of the newly established Bangsamoro Education Coordination Forum, saying it represents a collaborative approach to addressing long-standing education challenges in the Bangsamoro region.

Legarda pointed out that education indicators in the Bangsamoro have consistently ranked among the lowest in the country due to decades of conflict, poverty, displacement, and limited access to quality education.

She expressed optimism that the forum would strengthen coordination among the national government, the Bangsamoro Government, development partners, and local communities to improve learning outcomes and expand educational opportunities for Bangsamoro learners.

“No single institution can solve these challenges alone,” Legarda said, stressing that meaningful partnerships are essential to closing educational gaps in the region.

The senator also commended EDCOM II Executive Director Karol Mark Yee and the commission’s technical secretariat for advancing evidence-based education reforms.

She said the commission has consistently demonstrated that meaningful reforms begin by listening to realities on the ground and translating those insights into concrete action.

Legarda concluded by urging stakeholders to view the exhibit not only as a showcase of inspiring stories but also as a call to action to ensure that every Filipino child has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and build a better future.