As booboos continue to be unearthed from students’ learning modules, the largest business group is backing moves for the revival of a commission led by lawmakers to assess and review the country’s education system.
“[We understand] that the current situation has been very challenging to the educational system, learning institutions, teachers, learners and even families,” the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said in a statement on Friday. However, “the assuring statements of the educational agencies of the government seem not to resonate to the learning experiences across sectors.”
The PCCI said the revival of the Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom) would help stakeholders understand what has to be done in order to prepare students when they finally enter the world of work.
Calling it Edcom 4.0, PCCI said the body would “review, assess and evaluate” all types of learning systems and at all levels especially since “the accelerated challenges and changing demands of the industry 4.0 have even complicated the need for the education sector to proactively respond.”
PCCI is referring to the fourth industrial revolution or the so-called digital revolution.
Sen. Sonny Angara recently filed Senate Joint Resolution No. 10, calling for the creation of the Edcom, which would be composed of five members each from the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The creation of the first Edcom in 1990 led to reforms in the education system.
“The PCCI enjoins the government to be agile and proactive in its optimal response to ensure effective learning in the new normal,” PCCI said.
It also wants the private sector to be a part of the process.
“The PCCI asserts that the business, economic and industry sectors be involved in the review, assessment and evaluation of the educational systems, as well as in the educational policy development to ensure that the gap between the learning outcomes of education and the required competencies of the world of work is reduced,” the group said.
The group also expressed concern over the cancellation of almost all licensure examinations, including the physicians and nurses examination.
“The PCCI enjoins the [Professional Regulation Commission] to explore the possibilities of conducting these licensure examinations to enable the disenfranchised aspiring professionals to be qualified and join the productive workforce, and to avoid a scarcity in human resource supply,” the group said.