Gatchalian, Escudero named EDCOM II co-chairpersons

Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Francis Escudero on Wednesday were elected  co-chairpersons of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II).

Gatchalian is the chairperson of the Senate basic education committee while Escudero heads the Senate higher, technical and vocational education panel.

Joining them as members of the commission are Senators Sonny Angara, Pia Cayetano and Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva.

Republic Act No. 11899 creates the EDCOM II which is tasked to undertake a comprehensive national assessment and evaluation of the Philippine education sector's performance.

The body seeks to develop a more holistic, harmonized and coordinated education ecosystem, through a review of the mandates of the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

It will likewise recommends the adoption and institutionalization of relevant and meaningful assessment tools, such as teaching and learning competencies assessment tools, based on the best global practices to be used by educational agencies and institutions for their continued monitoring, evaluation, and development.

EDCOM II will be composed of 10 members, with five coming from the House of Representatives and five coming from the Senate.

The commission must accomplish its mandate within three years since its organization.

The Senate likewise named Gatchalian, Escudero, Angara, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, and Senator Risa Hontiveros as members of the joint congressional oversight committee on Enhanced Basic Education Program.

This is in accordance with Section 13 of Republic Act 10533 or the K to 12 Law.

In his first State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said a careful review is already underway as regards the implementation of the K-12 program of the Department of Education.

Marcos previously ordered a review on the implementation of the K-12 program, according to Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte.

He has also agreed to proposals to review the country's education curriculum to address job mismatch.

Several senators including Gatchalian and Escudero agreed that there is a need for the review of the current basic education curriculum in the country.—LDF, GMA News