Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11899)
The Act is known as the "Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) Act."
The State declares the policy to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality, accessible, adequate, and relevant education at all levels, emphasizing education as a critical component of human capital development, socio-economic equality, inclusive growth, sustainable development, and fulfillment of human rights.
EDCOM II aims to set specific, targeted, measurable and time-bound solutions through comprehensive assessment, develop a coordinated education ecosystem, prioritize digital transformation and 21st century skills, institutionalize reforms responding to new challenges, and recommend use of relevant assessment tools based on best global practices.
The Commission is composed of ten members, five from the Senate and five from the House of Representatives. Chairpersons of relevant Senate and House Committees serve as Co-Chairpersons. The remaining members are designated by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House.
The Commission shall accomplish its mandate within three years from its organization.
These include reviewing formal and alternative learning systems, recommending harmonization among education agencies, formulating policy recommendations, approving workplans and budgets, hiring personnel, holding hearings, summoning witnesses, securing government assistance, conducting consultations, collaborating with industries, reviewing recommendations, reporting to Congress, recommending legislation, and formulating rules for implementation.
It includes reviewing the mandates of DepEd, CHED, and TESDA; determining factors affecting education performance; recommending targeted solutions; identifying best practices; proposing monitoring plans; defining LGU roles; reducing gaps between higher education and workforce needs; and adopting new trends in education governance, teaching, learning, and school facilities.
The Technical Secretariat, headed by an Executive Director, provides technical and administrative support to EDCOM II to facilitate its exercise of powers and functions.
The Executive Director must be a recognized expert with experience in both education and management, working full-time with the rank of Executive Director IV (Salary Grade 29).
PIDS serves as the research arm of EDCOM II, producing data-based research and analysis to aid in education policy formulation.
The Advisory Council consists of recognized experts appointed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House from sectors including academe, business, government education agencies, LGUs, and civil society, providing expert advice and assistance to the Commission.
Initial funding is charged against the available appropriations of the Senate and House of Representatives, and subsequent funding is included in the annual General Appropriations Act, subject to budgeting and auditing rules.
The remaining provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect as per the Separability Clause.
The Act took effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.