The final research presentation for the Research Fellows of Ateneo-EDCOM 2 (The Second Congressional Commission on Education) was held on June 25, 2025, at the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law on Rockwell Drive, Makati City. This event provided an opportunity for the scholars involved in the year-long research fellowship to present their findings and recommendations to key education leaders and policymakers, aiming to address the Priority Areas of EDCOM 2. Presentations and discussions sparked conversations on strengthening early childhood learning resources, supporting teaching and learning environments, understanding needs to improve practices in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and lifelong learning, revisiting teacher education, promoting educational leadership, and streamlining policies across basic and higher education sectors.

Philippine Normal University’s (PNU) Vice President for Academics, Dr. Marilyn U. Balagtas, and the Director of the Research Institute for Teacher Quality (RITQ), Dr. Brando C. Palomar, are among the 16 research fellows involved in this project. Dr. Balagtas’s study, titled “Alignment of CHED, PRC, and DepEd Including the Teacher Education Council on Teacher Development,” emphasizes the important role of the Teacher Education Council (TEC) in harmonizing policies and systems to enhance teacher quality in the Philippines. Additionally, Dr. Palomar’s study, titled “Review of Pre-Service Teacher Education Curriculum,” suggests alternative curriculum models along with concepts and practices concerning quality assurance and support systems for pre-service teachers and educator training programs.

The event was attended by prominent figures in the education sector, including Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and Co-Chair of EDCOM 2; Congressman Roman T. Romulo, Chairperson of the House Committee on Basic Education and Co-Chair of EDCOM 2; and Congressman Jude Acidre, a member of EDCOM 2. Also present were members of the Education, Legislation, and Policy Advisory Council, such as Dr. Maria Cynthia Rose Bautista, former Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of the Philippines; Secretary Irene Isaac, former Director General of TESDA; Ms. Maria Olivia Lucas, President of E-Net Philippines; and Dr. Milwida Guevara, Executive Director of the Synergeia Foundation, Inc.

Members of the EDCOM 2 Standing Committee also participated, including Fr. Johnny C. Go, SJ, Dean of the Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design at Ateneo de Manila University; Dr. Ester B. Ogena, former President of the Philippine Normal University; Ms. Rina Lopez-Bautista, President of Philippine Business for Education; Fr. Edicio G. dela Torre, President of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement; and Mr. Ernesto D. Garilao, Chairman of the Zuellig Family Foundation. Additional distinguished guests included Dr. Jennie V. Jocson, Executive Director V of the Teacher Education Council (TEC), and Dr. Maria Luz C. Vilches, Vice President for Higher Education at Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU).

The research fellows and panelists engaged in enriching and insightful discussions based on the data presented, connecting the topics not only to current issues in the educational landscape but also to the future needs of teachers and learners. The main findings and recommendations for each priority area underscore the urgent need to collaborate on meaningful policy reforms and educational milestones that will benefit teachers, education leaders, and most importantly, learners in the Philippines.