Concluding this year’s series of activities in relation to the 34th Universityhood Anniversary Celebration was the University Convocation held on the afternoon of February 2, 2026, at the HRD Auditorium. Gracing this year’s gathering of PNU’s faculty members and administrative employees as Guest of Honor and Speaker was the Executive Director of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), Dr. Karol Mark R. Yee. Also highlighting this year’s convocation was the recognition of Teaching and Student Innovation Awards.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Marilyn U. Balagtas confidently stated that after EDCOM II has diagnosed the problems of our education system, PNU accepts the “prescription” by strengthening its identity not only as the breeding ground for the best teachers but also as the “laboratory for national recovery.”
In his message, University President Dr. Bert J. Tuga emphasized that academic excellence must go beyond the classroom and translate into tangible, lasting impacts on communities and society at large. Addressing the evolving role of higher education, Dr. Tuga urged the faculty and administration to reflect on how PNU can better advance quality and relevance while reaffirming its core institutional values. He highlighted the necessity of engaging with thought leaders and policymakers to gain clarity on the challenges facing Philippine education today. By fostering these collaborations, Dr. Tuga noted, the university can better strengthen teacher education and ensure its graduates are fully equipped for the demands of the 21st century.
In his convocation speech, Dr. Yee elaborated on the salient parts of the EDCOM II Year 3 report dubbed as “Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reforms.” The report was encapsulated into 20 priority recommendations spanning across six key priority areas. Dr. Karol Mark Yee likewise presented a comprehensive action plan for the Philippine Normal University, urging the institution to take a leading role in capacitating other Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) and addressing critical gaps in the education sector. His proposals center on fostering literacy initiatives and developing remediation strategies for secondary students struggling with basic skills. Dr. Yee also emphasized the need to expand access to specialized programs—such as ECCD, SNED, and Science and Math teaching—in underserved regions through collaborations with local Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Furthermore, he called for a strategic partnership with the Teacher Education Council (TEC) to align graduate programs with the Expanded Career Progression roles, alongside piloting teacher workforce planning models and conducting policy-driven research on the Localization Law and Master Teacher ratios.
Some members of the PNU community were given the opportunity to raise questions, which Dr. Yee acknowledged and addressed. Dr. Yee also noted information shared that could inform future studies undertaken by the commission.
The EDCOM II Final Report was formally submitted to His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on January 29, 2026, wherein the ceremony was witnessed by Dr. Tuga, who represented not only PNU but also the Tertiary Education Institutions that offer teacher education programs.
