Edcom 2 Continuity and Reform Implementation Act

: Senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE Difice of tie Brinetarg REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 25 SEP 24 P5:54 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S.B. No. 1418 INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS AN ACT EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE SECOND CONGRESSIONAL COMMISSION ON EDUCATION (EDCOM II), AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11899, CREATING THE EDUCATION CABINET CLUSTER TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EDCOM II RECOMMENDATIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE In 2022, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) was created through Republic Act No. 11899 to undertake a comprehensive national assessment and propose transformative, long-term reforms for our educational system. Tasked with addressing the "education crisis," EDCOM 2 was envisioned to be a effort to reverse learning poverty, address systemic inequities, and ensure that our students are future-ready. Since its inception, EDCOM 2 has made significant strides: conducting nationwide consultations, gathering key data, engaging stakeholders, producing interim reports, and advocating education policy reforms. But the magnitude of the education challenges facing the country-exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, resource disparities, and longstanding structural issues- requires more time for the Commission to fulfill its full mandate. This bill seeks to extend the term of EDCOM 2 by three years, from its original three-year period, to allow the Commission to complete its research, consultative processes, and most importantly, to propose and oversee legislative, policy, and

institutional reforms that are both evidence-based and inclusive. This extension is a commitment to continuity and comprehensive reform. In support of the effective implementation of these reforms, this bill also provides for the creation of a President's Cabinet Cluster for Education-a high-level inter-agency mechanism tasked with ensuring alignment, coordination, and oversight in the implementation of EDCOM 2's recommendations across the education sector. This measure underscores a national commitment to continuity and coordination of education reform. Our learners- especially those in marginalized and underserved communities- deserve a future shaped by evidence-based, inclusive, and future-ready education policies. In pursuit of a more equitable, resilient, and transformative education system, the immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought. sAndieros sarague RISA HONTIVEROS Senator

Senate CoMice of the Sarcretaig TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session 25 SEP 24 P5.54 SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1418 S.B. No. INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS AN ACT EXTENDING THE TERM OF THE SECOND CONGRESSIONAL COMMISSION ON EDUCATION (EDCOM II), AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11899, CREATING THE EDUCATION CABINET CLUSTER TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF EDCOM IT RECOMMENDATIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in the Philippines assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known as the "EDCOM 2 Continuity

3 and Reform Implementation Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to give the highest

6 priority to education and to ensure that every Filipino learner has access to quality, 7 equitable, and inclusive education. To this end, the State shall support the full 8 completion of the mandate of the Second Congressional Commission on Education 9 (EDCOM II) by providing adequate time for its deliberations, consultations, and reporting. Further, to ensure the effective implementation of the recommendations of EDCOM II and to promote a coherent, system-wide approach to education and workforce development, the State shall strengthen inter-agency coordination, planning, and policy oversight mechanisms across the education sector.

Sec. 3. Amendment of Section 6 of Republic Act No. 11899. - Section 6

of Republic Act No. 11899 is hereby amended to read as follows:

"Section 6. Duration of EDCOM II. - The Commission shall faccomplish its mandate within three (3) years from its organization. It shall organize itself and commence its mandate upon the effectivity of this Act] EXIST FOR A PERIOD OF SIX (6) YEARS FROM THE EFFECTIVITY OF THIS ACT.

Sec. 4. Creation of the Education Cabinet Cluster. - To support the

implementation of EDCOM II recommendations and ensure alignment, coordination, and effective execution of education reforms, there is hereby created a Cabinet Cluster to be known as the Education Cabinet Cluster. The Education Cabinet Cluster shall serve as the primary inter-agency mechanism to: a) Formulate, review, and recommend education and workforce-related policies; b) Rationalize the use of government resources across the education sector; c) Facilitate and monitor the implementation of priority programs and reforms; and d) Align agency-level plans, targets, and budgets, and oversee performance monitoring and evaluation systems. The Education Cabinet Cluster shall be chaired by a Cabinet member with a direct mandate related to education or by a Presidential Adviser with the rank of Secretary, as may be designated by the President. Its composition shall include the heads of key education and workforce-related agencies, and such other officials or representatives as the President may determine. The Education Cabinet Cluster shall be supported by a Secretariat to be designated by the Office of the President, which shall provide technical, administrative, and logistical support.

Sec. 5. Transition from EDCOM II to the Education Cabinet Cluster. -

To ensure continuity and effective implementation of the education reform agenda initiated by EDCOM II, the following transition measures shall be observed: a) EDCOM II shall submit its Final Report to Congress and to the Education Cabinet Cluster within sixty (60) days before the end term of the Commission. The

Report shall include, but not limited to, proposed legislative and policy reforms, research findings, and the draft National Education Agenda; b) EDCOM II shall formally transfer all records, research outputs, technical papers, consultation data, and digital or physical databases to the Education Cabinet Cluster, which shall serve as the primary coordinating and oversight body for the implementation of the Commission's recommendations; c) The Education Cabinet Cluster shall, in coordination with relevant agencies and stakeholders, review, adopt, or revise the National Education Agenda and other policy recommendations submitted by EDCOM II, and shall oversee their implementation through system-wide planning, budgeting, and monitoring processes; d) The services of the EDCOM II Technical Secretariat, consultants, and personnel may be retained, reappointed, or seconded to relevant agencies or to the Education Cabinet Cluster and its Secretariat, subject to performance evaluation and applicable civil service laws, rules, and regulations, to ensure continuity of technical expertise and institutional memory; and e) EDCOM II shall be deemed dissolved ninety (90) days upon the formal submission and acceptance of its Final Report by Congress and the Education Cabinet Cluster, whichever comes first.

Sec. 6. Budgetary Requirements. - The budgetary requirements for the

extended operations of EDCOM II shall be sourced from the appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives and may be supplemented by grants, donations, or other funds allowed by law, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules, and regulations. Upon the dissolution of EDCOM II, the funds necessary for the implementation of its remaining programs and for the Education Cabinet Cluster shall be incorporated into the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause - If any provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of the Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and

regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,