MANILA, Philippines—Lawmakers have called on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to address the high dropout rates in tertiary education, following the release of the Second Congressional Commission on Education’s (EDCOM 2) Year Two Report.

During a recent briefing at the House of Representatives, EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Rep. Mark Go highlighted the need for urgent education reforms, citing key findings from the report. 

The session, led by EDCOM 2 Executive Director Karol Mark Yee, was attended by fellow Co-Chairperson Rep. Roman Romulo and other legislators.

The report, released on January 27, revealed that the national dropout rate in tertiary education stands at 39 percent. 

It also pointed to a significant decline in the share of subsidies for the poorest students, which dropped from 74.24 percent in 2018 to 30.74 percent in 2022.

Lawmakers also raised concerns over the rigid, research-focused policies in higher education, which may not be suited to all institutions. 

The report further noted the country’s struggles in the global education market, citing a low ratio of researchers per capita and restrictive visa policies that limit international student enrollment.

In response, EDCOM 2 has been advocating for prioritizing financially disadvantaged students in the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) and expanding its coverage through legislative measures.

Among these efforts is House Bill 9982, which aims to strengthen the establishment and operation of higher education institutions (HEIs). 

The bill was approved on its third reading on March 19, 2024.

Meanwhile, House Bill 10251, which amends Republic Act 9225 to allow individuals with dual citizenship to serve as faculty, researchers, and administrators in public HEIs, was passed on August 13, 2024.

Go said there is an “urgent” need to address these issues. 

“We are at a crucial point where decisive action is needed to reform our education system,” he said. “The findings of EDCOM 2 lay a clear roadmap for what needs to be done, and we are committed to ensuring that these recommendations do not just remain on paper but are acted upon with the utmost urgency,” said Go

Lawmakers are expected to continue discussions on legislative measures aimed at addressing the challenges in the country’s higher education sector.