THE HOUSE Committees on Basic Education and Culture and Higher and Technical Education have approved the consolidation of five measures seeking to establish a National Coordinating Council for Education (NCCE), a proposed inter-agency body that aims to strengthen coordination across the Philippine education system.

The joint meeting was chaired by Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo and TINGOG Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre. The panels consolidated House Bills 2173, 9006, 9132, 9573, and 9720, authored by Representatives Rufus Rodriguez, Roman Romulo, Ryan Recto, Eduardo Rama Jr., and Kenneth Gatchalian, respectively. House Bill No. 9006 was designated as the lead measure.

Acidre said the proposal is a long-overdue reform, noting that the idea of creating the NCCE was first introduced nearly 30 years ago to address the fragmented governance of the country’s education sector.

“It’s about time for a proper system for Philippine education to take shape,” Acidre said.

Under House Bill No. 9006, the NCCE will serve as an inter-agency governance mechanism that will align policies, development plans, and budget priorities among agencies responsible for basic, higher, and technical-vocational education.

The council will also harmonize and oversee the implementation of major education reforms identified by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), including efforts to improve teacher quality, ensure curriculum coherence, and address other systemic challenges.

Lawmakers said the proposed council is intended to ensure continuity in education reforms and promote a more coordinated approach to improving learning outcomes across all levels of Philippine education.