THE SECOND Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) and various civil society organizations are strengthening collaboration to address longstanding challenges in the country’s education system and support the implementation of the National Education Plan.

With the support of Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI) and Habi Education Lab, EDCOM 2 convened 74 participants from 58 organizations for a roundtable discussion aimed at aligning civil society initiatives with the Commission’s education reform priorities.

Hosted by PSFI and EDCOM 2, in partnership with Habi Education Lab and with support from Shell Pilipinas Corporation, the meeting explored how existing programs and initiatives of civil society organizations can complement reforms identified by the Commission.

Discussions focused on eight impact areas aligned with the six Key Priority Areas of the National Education Plan. These covered nutrition and early childhood health during the first 1,000 days; quality early childhood care and development; Grade 3 reading proficiency; Senior High School TechPro and work immersion; mother tongue children’s books and inclusive learning; bullying prevention and safe spaces; teacher and school leader development; and local government engagement in education.

The gathering brought together representatives from government, civil society, the private sector and other education stakeholders to explore ways to make their respective programs more responsive to EDCOM 2’s evidence-based findings and reform priorities.

“Our objective is not simply to hold another meeting. Rather, it is to create a space where organizations can listen to one another, identify common priorities, explore opportunities for collaboration, and strengthen our collective contribution to education reform,” said Serge Bernal, vice president for Corporate Relations of Shell Pilipinas Corporation.

EDCOM 2 Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee emphasized the vital role of civil society organizations in implementing programs on the ground, generating evidence, identifying gaps, reaching underserved communities, and providing feedback to improve government policies and programs.

“Education reform cannot be sustained by the government alone,” Yee said.

He noted that civil society organizations can help bring policymakers closer to the realities faced by learners, families and communities.

Yee also called for a stronger feedback loop in which evidence informs action, implementation informs policy, and community experiences help improve the education system.

Meanwhile, Metrobank Foundation President Philip Dy underscored the need for more deliberate coordination among organizations working to improve education.

“We all care about impact, but the question is: how do we really move forward together? If we can be more intentional about collaborating and aligning our efforts, imagine the impact we can achieve,” Dy said.

The roundtable served as an initial platform for EDCOM 2 and civil society organizations to identify areas where existing initiatives can complement the Commission’s reform priorities.

EDCOM 2 said it will continue engaging organizations working in communities to better understand implementation gaps, gather evidence and experiences from the ground, and identify areas where collaboration can contribute to ongoing education reforms.