Statement of Support
For the Second Congressional Commission on Education II (EDCOM 2) Year Two Report
Fixing the Foundations: A Matter of National Survival

The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing education in the Philippines. As a premier academic, research and extension institution, UPLB recognizes the urgent need to transform our education system to help shape the future we want for our current and future generations of Filipino learners, ensuring a robust, inclusive, and future-ready educational system for our nation.

We, at UPLB, extend our deepest appreciation to the Second Congressional Commission on Education II (EDCOM 2) for its comprehensive assessment and actionable recommendations as outlined in the Year Two Report, Fixing the Foundations: A Matter of National Survival. This report underscores the fundamental role of early childhood education and nutrition interventions in strengthening the foundational stages of learning. Drawing upon the growing body of evidence, the report sets out a roadmap on what needs to be done in terms of capacitating and empowering our teaching and non-teaching personnel, improving access to higher education, increasing industry participation in technical and vocational education and training and lifelong learning, among others, and how to do it. 

Several key recommendations from the report strongly align with UPLB’s priorities and ongoing initiatives. These include:

• Strengthening teacher training and professional development: UPLB supports strengthening the cadre of teachers through capacity-building and teacher-focused interventions. 
• Promoting inclusive and equitable access to quality education: UPLB advocates for greater support to underserved and marginalized communities, addressing learning gaps and ensuring equal opportunities.
• Strengthening research and data-driven policymaking: As a premier research institution, UPLB upholds evidence-based strategies to inform education policies and interventions that will have a lasting impact on students’ learning outcomes. 

To advance these goals, UPLB, in partnership with the Department of Education-Schools Division of Laguna, actively implements the DepEd Laguna-UPLB Nurturing Opportunities for the Next Generation Towards Ending Learning Poverty in the Philippines (DUNONG) Program.  This initiative includes:

1. Reading Enhancement and Appreciation Development (READ) Program.  Strengthening reading skills among struggling learners through contextualized reading materials, comprehension activities, and teacher training.
2. Nutri-Nurture: Cultivating Bright Futures for Young Minds Through Proper Nutrition. Implementing supplementary school-based feeding programs and nutrition education for teachers and parents to help address malnutrition, and promote healthy eating habits and food safety. 

3. Teach-Organic Agriculture (TEACH OA). Providing training in organic and sustainable farming to enhance school gardens, supplement the School-Based Feeding Program, and cultivate a deeper appreciation of agriculture.

UPLB stands in solidarity with EDCOM 2 and all stakeholders committed to education reform. We remain steadfast in our mission to help build a stronger foundation for Philippine education to ensure that every Filipino learner receives the quality education they deserve.