THE SECOND Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) commended the government for its swift action on their recommendation to create 15,000 new plantilla positions for school principals.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and the Department of Education committed to filling these 15,000 positions, ensuring that every school, regardless of size, has a principal.

In its Year Two Report, Fixing the Foundations, EDCOM 2 highlighted the urgent need to fill significant gaps, noting that nearly 25,000 public schools lacked principals.

DepEd announced immediate steps to address this issue, including deploying over 15,000 principals this year. Interventions include appointing the 7,916 passers of the National Qualifying Exam for School Heads (NQESH), directing principals assigned to offices to return to their schools, and redistributing surplus principal positions to schools in need.

DepEd also signed a partnership with the National Electrification Administration to improve electrification in last-mile schools.

The EDCOM Year Two Report identified that 1,500 of 9,000 last-mile schools lack electricity, many located in Cotabato, Palawan, Sulu, and Zamboanga del Sur.

“The lack of school leaders and infrastructure issues, like the absence of electricity in remote areas, have long been obstacles to providing quality education. Addressing these concerns is a significant step toward ensuring every public school is a conducive learning environment,” said EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Senator Win Gatchalian.

Co-Chairperson Rep. Roman Romulo added, “Education is the foundation of our nation’s progress, and addressing these gaps is vital for building a brighter future. The swift actions taken by the President and DepEd show their commitment to prioritizing education, especially for marginalized communities.”

As EDCOM 2 continues to review and recommend reforms in the education system, it remains focused on working with DepEd to overcome challenges and ensure all Filipino children have access to quality education.

“We thank President Marcos and Secretary Angara for their decisive leadership in addressing these longstanding issues in basic education. We are committed to supporting DepEd’s efforts to resolve the learning crisis,” said EDCOM Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee.