TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ​ ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ​ ) 
First Regular Session ​
​ ) 
 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
HOUSE BILL No. 2910 
INTRODUCED BY HON. RICARDO S. CRUZ, JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The First Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM I) in the 1990s played a 
pivotal role in diagnosing the systemic challenges in the Philippine education system. 
One of its landmark recommendations – trifocalization – led to the creation of three 
specialized agencies: the Department of Education (DepEd) for basic education, the 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for higher education, and the Technical 
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for technical and vocational 
education training (TVET). 
The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), in its Year 2 Report, 
emphasized that this structural reform has been successful in improving subsectoral 
attention.1 Qualitative analysis revealed that government expenditure per student 
significantly increased post-trifocalization. However, despite this progress, the reform 
has not translated into significant improvements in completion rates and learning 
outcomes.2 
A key barrier identified by EDCOM II is the lack of cohesive planning across these three 
educational subsectors. Previous efforts to create an advisory body for DepEd, CHED, 
and TESDA failed to establish a sustained and institutionalized mechanism for 
long-term strategic alignment between the executive and legislative branches. Without 
unified policies, Philippine education will continue to struggle with fragmented 
leadership and disconnected reforms. 
To address this gap, this measure proposes the establishment of the Third Commission 
on Education (EDCOM III), which will adopt a parliamentary-style approach by bringing 
together the heads of DepEd, CHED, and TESDA into a single coordinating body. 
Working closely with legislators and stakeholders, EDCOM III will serve as an 
institutional bridge to harmonize policies, align priorities, and ensure a coherent 
education roadmap. It will build upon the efforts of previous Commissions, providing a 
strategic foundation for policy, planning, and programming in both the executive and 
legislative branches. 
The urgency of this reform cannot be overstated. The future of Philippine education in 
the coming decades hinges on the policies and structures established today. If the 
2 Ibid. 
1 Second Congressional Commission on Education. (2025). Fixing the foundations: A matter of national survival 
(Year Two Report). EDCOM II. 
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country is to produce a globally competitive workforce and ensure that education 
serves as a catalyst for national development, decisive and coordinated action is 
imperative. 
At stake is the future of millions of Filipino learners. The education system must equip 
them with essential skills and open doors to greater opportunities. A unified and 
forward-looking vision must guide these reforms – one that fosters high-quality schools, 
an optimal learning environment, and a promising future for every Filipino. To move 
beyond past challenges, education must no longer be a barrier but a pathway to 
success. 
The creation of EDCOM III presents an opportunity to institutionalize this vision. The 
Scripture tells us in Galatians 6:7, “kung ano ang itinanim, siyang aanihin.” Indeed, by 
laying the groundwork for a truly cohesive and future-ready education system, we aim 
to foster sustained accountability and provide a better future for the next 
generation—ultimately transforming the nation by building the right foundations. 
In line with the policy adopted by its original proponent Senator Alan Peter 
“Compañero” S. Cayetano, this bill therefore serves as a counterpart measure. It is for 
the reason stated above that the passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 
RICARDO S. CRUZ, JR. 
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TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE​ ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES​ ) 
First Regular Session​
​
​
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
HOUSE BILL No. 2910 
INTRODUCED BY HON. RICARDO S. CRUZ, JR. 
AN ACT  
CREATING A THIRD COMMISSION ON EDUCATION (EDCOM III), 
STRENGTHENING AND CONTINUING THE MANDATE OF EDCOM II TO 
ADDRESS THE NATIONAL EDUCATION CRISIS, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:  
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Third Commission on 
Education (EDCOM III) Act." 
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
make education a critical component of human capital development, socio-economic 
equality, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. It shall formulate national 
education policies and plans in accordance with its constitutional mandate to establish 
a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the 
people and society. 
Towards this end, the State shall take appropriate steps to protect and promote 
the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, recognize the complementary 
roles of public and private education, and take appropriate steps to make such 
education accessible to all. 
Section 3. Creation of EDCOM III. - EDCOM III is hereby created to enhance 
and strengthen the mandate of EDCOM II. EDCOM III shall ensure the active and direct 
participation of the three education agencies, namely, the Department of Education 
(DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education 
and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), with the relevant Committees of the Senate 
and House of Representatives. 
Section 4. Objectives of EDCOM III. - EDCOM III shall have the following 
objectives: 
1. Ensure that the quality of Philippine education, both public and private, is
at par with international standards by aligning its curricula, teaching
methodologies, and assessment systems with global best practices;
2. Determine and address challenges and gaps in school infrastructure,
learning resources, and availability of well-trained teachers and educators
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to achieve the best learning environment for learners and students at all 
levels; and 
3.​ Update the national education agenda and roadmap, as may be necessary 
to integrate the recent educational developments on artificial intelligence, 
digital technologies, and other emerging global advancements to 
future-proof the education system and the country’s workforce. 
 
Section 5. Composition of EDCOM III. - Guided by the national strategic vision 
on education, EDCOM III shall work towards its common goals and priorities and shall 
be composed of the following: 
 
a.​ As Co-Chairpersons: 
i.​
Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education; 
ii.​
Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and 
Vocational Education; 
iii.​
Chairperson of the House Committee on Basic Education and 
Culture; and 
iv.​
Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical 
Education. 
 
b.​ As Commissioners: 
i.​
Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education; 
ii.​
Secretary of the Department of Education; 
iii.​
Director-General of the Technical Education and Skills Development 
Authority;  
iv.​
Secretary of the  Department of Science and Technology (DOST); 
v.​
Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development 
Goals, Innovation and Futures Thinking; 
vi.​
Chairperson of the House Committee on Sustainable Development 
Goals.  
 
The members of the Commission shall receive no compensation, but travelling, 
communications, and other necessary expenses shall be allowed, subject to existing 
laws, and rules and regulations. 
 
Section 6. Powers and Functions of EDCOM III. - EDCOM III shall have the 
following powers and functions: 
a.​ Continue to review, monitor, and formulate an action agenda, policies, and 
programs to address education challenges, with primary focus on the 
following: stunting, learning poverty, high attrition rates, availability of 
well-trained teachers, digital infrastructure, emerging global industries and 
technologies, and skills mismatch in the country; 
b.​ Coordinate with government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and 
other relevant sectors to promote policy and program coherence; 
c.​ Serve as a regular forum for inter-sub-sectoral consultations and proposals 
for intervention to address cross-cutting policies and programs of the three 
sub-sectors of education, with a focus on proposing reforms in the basic 
education curriculum, scholarship grants, and voucher systems; 
d.​ Submit annual reports to Congress on the progress of implementation of 
this Act; and 
e.​ Perform other functions as may be necessary to implement the provisions 
of this Act. 
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Section 7. Standing Committees. - The members of the EDCOM III shall 
establish from among its members standing committees, to be chaired by such 
members or experts from multisectoral groups, and engage resource persons from the 
public and private sectors as may be needed. 
 
The standing committees shall include the National Commission for Culture and 
the Arts and the Philippine Sports Commission in their respective consultations to 
ensure that arts and sports education are integrated into the education system. 
 
Section 8. Advisory Support Council of EDCOM III. - The Advisory Support 
Council (ASC) of EDCOM III is hereby created to provide the Commission with expert 
assistance and advice.  
 
The members of the EDCOM III shall always be present at all of the 
Commission's meetings. The Senate President and the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives shall choose recognized experts from the following sectors to form 
part of the ASC: two (2) members from the academe, two (2) members from the 
business sector, two (2) members from parents’ associations duly recognized by 
EDCOM III, two (2) members who are heads of LGUs, and two (2) members from civil 
society organizations and development partners engaged in education. 
EDCOM III shall undertake the necessary measures to ensure the broadest 
possible, most inclusive and diversified composition of the ASC. 
 
The members of the ASC who are government officials shall serve in the Council 
without any additional emoluments, allowances, or pay, by virtue of and in connection 
with the positions they have been elected to or appointed to, as the case may be. 
 
Section 9. Technical Secretariat and Executive Director. - A Technical 
Secretariat, to be headed by an Executive Director (ED), shall be organized to provide 
technical and administrative support to the EDCOM III in the exercise of its powers and 
performance of its functions under Section 6 of this Act. The Technical Secretariat shall 
co-exist with the Commission. 
 
The ED to be appointed by the Commission must be a recognized expert with 
experience both in the fields of education and management. The ED shall work full-time 
and shall have the rank, privileges, and emoluments of an Executive Director IV (Salary 
Grade 29). 
 
Subject to the review and approval of the DBM, and in accordance with existing 
civil service laws, rules, and regulations, the members of EDCOM III shall determine 
the necessary human resource requirements in order to fulfill its mandate under this 
Act. 
 
Section 10. Meetings of EDCOM III. - The EDCOM III shall meet at least once 
every quarter, but may be convened by its Chairpersons to such special meetings as 
may be necessary.  The members of the EDCOM III shall be duly notified of any 
meeting in advance.  The first meeting of the Council shall take place within one (1) 
month from the effectivity of this Act, at a time and place to be designated by the 
Chairpersons. 
 
Section 11. The National Education Agenda. - The national education agenda 
formulated by EDCOM II shall be implemented, monitored and updated by EDCOM III, 
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as may be necessary. An annual report on its implementation shall be submitted to the 
Philippine Congress.  
 
The national education agenda developed by EDCOM II, shall be subject to 
further evaluation by the other important stakeholders in education, such as the 
parents’ associations and school communities. 
 
Section 
12. 
Appropriations. 
- 
The amount necessary for the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the available appropriations of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives. Thereafter, the amount necessary for its 
continuous implementation, including any deficiency in the current year, shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act subject to existing budgeting, 
accounting, and auditing rules and regulations. 
 
Section 13. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts not affected shall remain in full force and 
effect. 
 
Section 14. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, 
administrative orders, rules and regulations, issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent 
with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended 
accordingly. 
 
Section 15. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved, 
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