On April 29, 2024, the UP College of Education (UPCEd), through its Extension Committee, organized a public forum titled “From Crisis to Reform: Reflecting on the Miseducation in the Philippines,” shedding light on the findings of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) and the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). Held at the Benitez Theater of the UP College of Education, the forum attracted participants from various institutions in Metro Manila, as well as attendees from neighboring provinces. The event was also broadcasted via live stream provided by Rex Education and posted on both the Facebook pages of Rex Education and UPCEd. It drew more than 500 live viewers and amassed over 13,000 views to date. Additionally, watch parties were organized by schools across the Philippines.
Dr. Marie Grace Gomez, Chair of the UPCEd Extension Committee, served as the forum’s host. Dean Jerome Buenviaje delivered the welcome remarks, setting the stage for an insightful conversation.
The highlight of the forum was the presentation by Dr. Karol Mark Yee, the technical secretariat and executive director of EDCOM II. Dr. Yee dissected the findings of the EDCOM II report and the PISA 2022 results, offering a deep dive into various aspects of education, including early childhood care and development, basic education, teacher education, technical-vocational education and training (TVET), and assessments. He underscored how the Philippine education system has fallen short of the mandate outlined in the 1987 Constitution for a “complete, adequate, and integrated system of education.”
In response to Dr. Yee’s presentation, UPCEd faculty members Dr. Marie Grace Reoperez and Dr. Joel Javiniar provided insightful reflections. Dr. Reoperez delved into the importance of literacy education and the role of action research in improving literacy instruction. Meanwhile, Dr. Javiniar focused on educational administration and reform, advocating for effective and strategic actions by administrators.
The forum served as a catalyst for meaningful discourse toward educational reform. Participants engaged in vibrant discussions and shared perspectives and solutions to address the pressing challenges facing the Philippine education landscape.
For individuals who were unable to attend the event or wish to rewatch it, the live stream of the forum can still be accessed through the following links:
