The 2nd Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) on Wednesday commended the Department of Education (DepEd) for its swift response in addressing two key education challenges – the shortage of school principals and the lack of electricity in last-mile schools.

In its latest report, Fixing the Foundations, EDCOM 2 flagged the urgent need to appoint school leaders, with nearly 25,000 public schools operating without principals.

DepEd responded by committing to fill more than 15,000 vacancies this year.

To implement this, the department will appoint 7,916 passers of the National Qualifying Exam for School Heads, recall principals detailed to offices, and reassign surplus principal positions to schools in need.

“The absence of school leaders has long been a barrier to improving education quality. This decisive move is a major step toward ensuring that every school has proper guidance and management,” EDCOM 2 co-chairperson, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, said in a news release.

EDCOM 2 co-chairperson. Rep. Roman Romulo, echoed the sentiment, noting that strong leadership is critical to national development.

“Education is the foundation of progress, and closing these gaps is essential to securing a brighter future for all Filipinos,” he said.

Alongside school leadership reforms, DepEd has also partnered with the National Electrification Administration to power up last-mile schools, or those in remote areas.

Currently, 1,500 of 9,000 remote schools lack electricity, particularly in Cotabato, Palawan, Sulu, and Zamboanga del Sur, an issue that EDCOM 2 highlighted as a major barrier to learning.

EDCOM 2 reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with DepEd to address these long-standing challenges

“We appreciate President (Ferdinand R.) Marcos (Jr.) and (DepEd) Secretary (Sonny) Angara’s leadership in resolving these critical education issues. We will continue to support DepEd in ensuring every Filipino child has access to quality education,” EDCOM 2 executive director, Dr. Karol Mark Yee, said. (PNA)