The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday appeared before the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), emphasizing that reforms are vital to addressing long-standing gaps affecting learning quality and system performance.

The hearing, held at Nemesio I. Yabut Integrated School in Makati City, focused on reviewing the DepEd Charter under Republic Act No. 9155, which defines the department’s governance structure and mandate. EDCOM II’s ongoing review seeks to update education laws to address emerging challenges in policy, resources, and coordination.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara underscored the urgency of implementing long-term reforms in basic education.

“Kailangan natin ng mga pangmatagalang solusyon para ayusin ang sistema ng edukasyon sa bansa,” Angara said.

“Our reforms aim to make DepEd more focused, better resourced, and strategically aligned,” the DepEd chief added.

Angara said the department is pursuing priority legislative measures that directly address implementation and financing gaps, including:

• Expansion of the Special Education Fund to augment local education resources;
• Expedited issuance of school site titles to unlock infrastructure development;
• New Adopt-A-School provisions to attract greater private sector involvement;
• Teachers in Every Barrio Bill to ensure equitable teacher deployment; and
• Amendments to the Teachers Professionalization Act to support comprehensive human resource reforms.

For broader learner welfare, DepEd is also proposing amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act and the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Law, aimed at improving access to feeding programs, learner subsidies, and transportation support.

These initiatives form part of DepEd’s Quality Basic Education Development Plan 2025–2035, a 10-year roadmap envisioning a high-performing, learner-centered, and well-supported education system.

DepEd’s presentation revealed that since 1982, 49 laws have expanded its responsibilities, many with specific implementation requirements but without sustained funding. Among the most persistent issues, the report identified unfunded mandates, resource shortfalls, and systemic gaps that fall on DepEd despite requiring cross-sectoral coordination.

The department also participates in 261 interagency councils, creating coordination burdens that dilute focus and resources.

“DepEd’s mandate will keep evolving,” Angara said.

“But if we strengthen our foundations now—funding, governance, and inter-agency alignment—we can finally make the system work for every Filipino learner,” the DepEd chief added.