BFHE vows to support EDCOM 2 reforms for Philippine education

Original Publication Date: March 21, 2025

NAGA CITY – The Bicol Foundation for Higher Education (BFHE) commits to support the recommendations of the reports of the 2nd Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) during the BFHE Roadshow 2025 at Ateneo de Naga University on March 18.

Dr. Karol Mark Yee, EDCOM 2 Executive Director, presented through a video recording, some alarming data on the literacy crisis in Region V, revealing that 83% of Grades 1 to 3 students struggle with reading, while 80% lack basic numeracy skills. “Even if we have great college programs and fix all the issues in senior high school, students still won’t be able to learn,” Yee stressed.

Yee urged policymakers to focus on early education, nutrition programs, and ensuring literacy proficiency by Grade 3, stating, “By the end of Grade 3, every child should be literate.”

Teacher quality was another major concern, with Yee highlighting the lack of practice teaching and teachers handling subjects beyond their expertise. “The quality of our system cannot exceed the quality of our teachers,” Yee declared.

Yee called for reforms in teacher training, alignment between licensure exams and curricula, and transparency in PRC results to help institutions address skill gaps. “How can they teach something they do not know?” he questioned, emphasizing the need for specialization in instruction.

“Now that we understand the problem we are facing, it is our responsibility to respond to it in a united and concerted effort,” Yee emphasized. By prioritizing foundational learning, teacher development, and institutional alignment, the education sector aims to rebuild a system that empowers Filipino students and secures a brighter future for the next generation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, BFHE Vice President and President of the University of Nueva Caceres, emphasized the responsibility of higher education institutions (HEIs) in shaping teacher quality. “Almost all of BHFE member institutions offer teacher education programs. We, therefore, might be contributing to the learning gaps identified in the EDCOM 2 report and should be part of the solution.” Lauraya stated.

Lauraya encouraged Bicol HEIs to be active members of BFHE, and harness the organizational values of collaboration, cooperation, and complementarity. “Let’s work together through BFHE as one academic community,” she said.

In support of EDCOM recommendations addressing the challenges in Philippine education, the Bikol Foundation for Higher Education or BFHE, a CHED-accredited organization of higher education institutions vows to work with EDCOM 2, DepEd, CHED, and other stakeholders to implement activities aimed to address the challenges of Philippine education.

During the event, BFHE under the leadership of its President, Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin Nebres III with the Board of Directors present, formally expressed its support through special resolution No. 2025-01, which acknowledges the importance of the EDCOM 2 report and commits to participating in the implementation of its recommended reforms. The resolution highlights BFHE’s dedication to improving the quality, accessibility, and equity of education in the Bicol Region and across the nation.

BFHE officers, including President Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, Vice President Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, Secretary Atty. Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda, Treasurer Dr. Marissa Jimenez-Ampuan, PIO Dr. Clyde Alexander Antiquia, Auditor Dr. Maria Luz T. Macasinag, and Private School Representatives Fr. Edwin A. Lao, O.P., and Dr. Mario Villanueva, signed the resolution.

Additionally, an ex-officio member of the board, Fr. Aristotle “Ari” C. Dy, S.J., President of Ateneo de Naga University who hosted the BFHE Academic Roadshow for Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte Higher Education Institutions, expressed his commitment to collaborate with government agencies, non-government organizations, and academic institutions to enhance teacher training, curriculum development, and institutional partnerships.

The resolution also calls for the creation of a database of all higher education institution (HEI) members under BFHE to strengthen regional cooperation and data-driven policymaking. The commitment of BFHE highlights the significant role of higher education institutions in addressing the challenges faced by the Philippine education system.