THE SECOND Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) has welcomed the signing of Republic Act No. 12315 by President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., which extends the Commission’s term and reinforces education as a key driver of national development.

The new law amends Republic Act No. 11899, allowing EDCOM II to continue its work for an additional two years beyond its initial three-year mandate. This extension enables the Commission to conduct further research, hold consultations, and exercise oversight over the National Education and Workforce Development Plan and its own recommendations.

A major focus of the extended term is ensuring long-term reforms that address critical issues such as stunting, early childhood education, literacy, and aligning education and training systems with labor-market needs.

To achieve these goals, EDCOM II will collaborate with government agencies—including the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority—as well as industry stakeholders, sectors, and relevant Senate and House committees.

The amended law also updates EDCOM II’s objectives to meet the demands of the modern world. The Commission is now tasked with integrating artificial intelligence, digital and green technologies, and other emerging innovations to future-proof the education system and enhance workforce readiness.

Additionally, EDCOM II will provide strategic guidance for policy reforms that align curricula, teaching methods, and assessments with global benchmarks, ensuring the quality of Philippine public and private education meets international standards.