SENATOR Loren Legarda has emphasized the urgent need for transformative education reforms during the launch of the EDCOM II Year 2 Report at the Senate of the Philippines.

Speaking before policymakers, educators, and international partners, Legarda underscored that the report is more than just a compilation of data —it serves as a roadmap to securing opportunities, equity, and excellence in education for Filipino learners.

She highlighted the collaborative effort behind the report, which brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector to assess the realities of the country’s education system.

Legarda acknowledged that the Year One Report exposed systemic issues, including underinvestment, fragmented governance, and inequitable access. This year, however, the focus shifts to concrete solutions.

“Education is the foundation of national progress. It is the backbone of innovation, peace, justice, and sustainable development,” she stressed.

The senator emphasized that the Year Two Report presents actionable strategies and urged leaders to address the root causes of the education crisis.

“Where do the cracks in our foundation lie? And how do we strengthen it—not just to stand firm, but to bear the weight of our children’s biggest and boldest dreams?” she asked.

Legarda also underscored the global implications of improving the Philippine education system, noting that it influences economies, fosters innovation, and shapes the collective future of humanity.

Welcoming international partners present at the event, she affirmed that their support is not only welcome but essential in ensuring that the report’s recommendations lead to real and lasting change.

MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) celebrated the International Day of Education (IDE) on January 24, 2025, emphasizing the ethical integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.

Held at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City, this year’s event, themed “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” highlighted the role of AI and educational technology (EdTech) in enhancing learning experiences.

DepEd reiterated its commitment to responsibly equip students with the skills needed to use AI effectively. In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision, the agency stressed the importance of AI as a tool for empowerment rather than replacement.

“Let us champion AI as a tool for empowerment, not replacement,” said DepEd Undersecretary and chief of staff, Lawyer Fatima Lipp Panontongan. “Together, we can create a future where technology amplifies human potential, not diminishes it.”

The event also spotlighted DepEd’s collaboration with Khan Academy’s Khanmigo, an AI-powered educational assistant, aimed at addressing learning challenges and improving educational outcomes.

The IDE, observed annually on January 24, promotes universal access to education and youth engagement in learning. This year’s celebration saw participation from key organizations, including UNESCO, UNICEF Philippines, SEAMEO INNOTECH, and the Department of Science and Technology.

Exhibits showcasing AI’s role in education featured contributions from various EdTech partners such as FELTA, CISTEM, STI, Samsung, Unilab, and iAcademy.

Panontongan emphasized the need to nurture and inspire future generations, stating, “It is our duty to ensure that Gen Z, Alpha, Beta, and beyond are well-prepared for the future.”

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MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is advocating for increased funding for the education sector, following a budget cut for the Department of Education (DepEd) and a lack of funding for key programs under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in 2025.

In a meeting with DepEd officials at Malacañan Palace on Thursday, Marcos reviewed the department’s proposed budget for 2025 and stressed the importance of prioritizing education.

“We have to be able to show that education is the priority,” he remarked during the meeting, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in a news release on Friday.

Marcos was informed that the DepEd’s reduced budget could worsen the ongoing issue of teacher shortages in the country. Congress approved a PHP737 billion budget for DepEd, which is lower than the department’s proposed PHP748 billion for 2025.

The budget reductions include cuts to new school personnel positions, the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF), and the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP).

The DepEd highlighted that the budget cuts for new school personnel would worsen the teacher shortage, a problem that has only been partially addressed in previous years, further impacting the quality of education.

Additionally, the department proposed PHP12.379 billion for the DCP but was only allocated PHP2.43 billion. As a result, DepEd had to cancel approximately PHP4 billion worth of DCP projects that had already undergone early procurement activities.

The department noted that this reduction would affect the provision of essential tools for learners and teachers, including laptops, smart TVs, and satellite-based Internet connections.

The cut in the BEFF is also expected to slow the construction of new school buildings, further limiting educational infrastructure.

In addition, Marcos expressed his support for TESDA’s plan to explore financing options for its unfunded programs.

While TESDA’s budget increased by PHP20.73 billion in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), compared to the proposed PHP18.5 billion in the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP), several important programs remained unfunded.

Among the unfunded programs are the establishment of an Enterprise-based Training Office and a new office for the Negros Island Region.

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Image Courtesy of: House of Representatives of the Philippines (Facebook Page)

By: Junex Doronio

SAYING the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. strongly supports the Free College Education law, House appropriations panel senior vice chairperson Stella Quimbo of Marikina City on Tuesday gave assurance of sufficient funds for the significant law enacted during the previous Duterte administration.

“We will make sure that we will have sufficient funds to support that law. That is very important for our youth…for them to have access to free college education. It is very important for their future,” Quimbo said.

She answered the query of House Deputy Minority Leader Paul Daza of Northern Samar during Tuesday’s deliberations on the proposed P5.768 trillion budget for 2024.

Quimbo has sponsored the proposed P5.768 trillion budget for 2024 before the House plenary.

On Monday, September 18, Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, president of the Philippine Association of SUCs (PASUC), expressed dismay that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) only approved P21.69 billion.

But Quimbo stood firm that the PBBM administration has “strong commitment from the DBCC (Development Budget Coordination Committee) that it will support free education.” (ai/mnm)

By Junex Doronio

SAYING THAT EDUCATION IS A RIGHT, not a privilege, several students and parents rallied behind the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUCs) as it decried on Monday the P4.16-billion funding shortage for free college education in SUCs under the government’s proposed P5.678-trillion budget for 2024.

Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, president of the PASUC, expressed dismay that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) only approved a budget of P21.69 billion for state colleges and universities for next year.

Ronquillo is also the president of Batangas State U.

He told the House appropriations panel that they initially proposed P25.85 billion.

“Our projection is based on our projected enrollment and existing tuition in each SUCs. We factored in increase in enrollment, rule of thumb,” the PAS official said.

But DBM Director Grace delos Santos retorted that the budget for free college education in SUCs under the proposed 2024 budget is based on the actual billing or expenses the SUCs spent for the said program in 2022.

On Saturday, September 16, Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said the free access to state university education is “unsustainable”. (ai/mnm)