On January 27, 2025, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) released its Year Two report, entitled “Fixing the Foundations.” This report revealed the several glaring issues behind the Philippines’ education crisis, which is not only reflected in the country’s poor performance in international assessments but is also a harsh reality for many young Filipinos.
The report shows that one in four Filipino children under 5 years old are stunted due to malnourishment, gravely affecting early childhood development. It also highlights how learning on the basic education level is hindered by the lack of quality resources and infrastructure, and the excessive academic demand and administrative burdens faced by students and teachers, respectively. It further points out the need to improve access to quality higher education.
Through the report, it is evident that education does not exist in a vacuum—it is deeply interconnected with broader national issues such as poverty and corruption, which can perpetuate the aforementioned issues. With the 2025 Philippine Senate elections approaching, it is crucial to consider whether the candidates are genuinely committed to addressing these urgent concerns or if they are merely making campaign promises.
Before voters cast their ballots, it is essential to look beyond slogans and carefully examine candidates’ track records, policies, and concrete solutions to critical issues. The future of Philippine education depends on informed decision-making, making it crucial to elect leaders who are committed to advocating for meaningful change.
Find out more about the senatorial candidates’ platforms at The Rundown 2025, scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM at the Benito Sy Pow Auditorium, UP Diliman. The event will be co-presented by ABS-CBN and livestreamed by our media partners. For more information, visit The Rundown’s official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages. To get in touch, contact us at [email protected].
This event is made possible by UP Economics Society.
