Strengthening learning foundations

As School Year 2026–2027 opened, millions of Filipino learners returned to classrooms with renewed hopes and aspirations. For many families, education remains the most important investment they can make. For teachers, it is another year of nurturing young minds. For policymakers, it is a reminder that our work must always be focused on ensuring that every Filipino learner receives quality education.

The opening of classes is an opportunity to reflect on the reforms that are needed to improve learning outcomes and prepare our children for the future.

The Programme for International Student Assessment results in 2019 highlighted a challenge that many educators had long recognized: too many Filipino learners are struggling with foundational literacy skills. Since then, I have consistently advocated for the Department of Education to focus on the reading comprehension of learners in Grades 1 to 3. Reading comprehension is the cornerstone of learning: a child who reads with understanding is better able to learn mathematics, science, social studies, and other subjects. Strengthening foundational skills should be a critical priority in education.

I have likewise advocated for reducing the number of learning competencies in the curriculum. Teachers have long been tasked with covering excessive content within a short school year, leaving them little choice but to prioritize competency completion over learning mastery. Education should not be about how many topics are taught. It should be about how much learners actually understand. By streamlining the curriculum and concentrating on the fundamentals, teachers can devote more time to developing literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Strong foundations will produce better outcomes than an overloaded curriculum.

My advocacy for education reform has always been guided by the belief that quality education must develop both competence and character. Schools play a vital role in shaping responsible citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society. This is why I pushed for the restoration of Good Manners and Right Conduct and Values Education in our schools through Republic Act No. 11476. Academic excellence must be complemented by values such as integrity, discipline, respect, responsibility, and love of country.

Education must also be inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of Filipino learners. As a lawmaker, I authored and sponsored measures such as the Inclusive Education for Learners with Disabilities Act, the Alternative Learning System Act, the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-being Promotion Act, and the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act. These reforms recognize that learners face different circumstances and challenges, and that the government must provide the support necessary for them to succeed.

Teachers, of course, remain at the center of all these reforms. As education frontliners, their role is vital, which is why I advocated for the Excellence in Teacher Education Act and the Teacher Career Progression Act to enhance preparation and career growth. These measures ensure teachers are recognized and rewarded throughout their professional journeys. Additionally, I pushed for the Teaching Supplies Allowance Act to alleviate the personal financial burden of providing classroom materials. When teachers are equipped, supported, and empowered, learners benefit.

While significant challenges remain—including learning poverty, classroom shortages, and resource constraints—we have begun implementing reforms that address these longstanding issues. Through our work in Congress and in the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2), we continue to pursue evidence-based solutions that focus on improving learning outcomes and strengthening the education system.

As we begin this new school year, our goal remains clear: to provide every Filipino learner with quality, inclusive, and values-oriented education. Achieving this goal will require sustained commitment from all stakeholders.

There is still much work to be done, but we are moving in the right direction. By focusing on foundational learning, strengthening values education, supporting teachers, and ensuring that no learner is left behind, we can build an education system that truly serves the needs of every Filipino child.

This school year, let us recommit ourselves to that mission. The future of our nation depends on the education we provide today, and every reform we pursue brings us one step closer to ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to succeed.

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Rep. Roman Romulo is chair of the House committee on basic education and culture and a cochair of Edcom 2. He represents the lone district of Pasig.