Statement of Support for the EDCOM II Year 2 Report

Published: /by

The University of Makati (UMak) wholeheartedly supports the recommendations outlined in the EDCOM II Year 2 Report, as these initiatives promise to foster a transformative shift in the Philippine education system. We recognize the urgency and significance of these reforms in shaping the future of higher education, and we believe they will play a significant role in enhancing the quality of education across the nation.

As a leading local higher education institution (HEI) in the country, and with the esteemed leadership of its President, Prof. Elyxzur C. Ramos, a member of the EDCOM II Standing Committee on Higher Education and Teacher Education and Development, UMak is steadfast in its commitment to supporting the Philippine government’s education strategies. These strategies are pivotal in accelerating human capital development and fostering high-impact innovations that are essential for the country’s growth.

We commend the EDCOM II for its Year 2 report titled, “Fixing the Foundations: A Matter of National Survival,“ as it outlines crucial areas for reform that will strengthen the education sector in the Philippines. Specifically, we wish to highlight the following key areas of alignment between UMak’s initiatives and the recommendations made in the report:

  1. Access to Higher Education: We strongly support the call for affordable and accessible higher education. UMak remains dedicated to ensuring that tuition fees are kept reasonable, thereby making quality education within reach for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. By continuing to implement various financial assistance programs and scholarships, we are enabling more students to pursue higher education without the burden of financial barriers.
  2. Quality Assurance: UMak aligns with the report’s emphasis on ensuring quality education through compliance with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) standards and achieving international rankings. The university is committed to maintaining a rigorous system of academic and institutional quality assurance that ensures high educational standards. Our accreditation efforts and alignment with global best practices affirm our dedication to providing world-class education.
  3. Digital Transformation and Educational Technologies: In response to the report’s focus on the integration of technology in education, UMak has made substantial strides in adopting technology-based learning. Our digital landscape, encompassing both faculty and administrative units, provides students with innovative tools for online learning, research, and collaborative opportunities. By leveraging advanced educational technologies, we aim to enhance the learning experience, foster a more dynamic academic environment, and meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
  4. Graduate Education, Research, and Innovation: UMak recognizes the importance of fostering research and innovation, as outlined in the report. Our commitment to advancing graduate education and research aligns with the global push for sustainable development goals (SDGs) and other critical national needs. We prioritize innovative research programs that address current societal challenges, and we ensure that our graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to be leaders in their respective fields, both locally and internationally.
  5. Internationalization of Higher Education: UMak supports the report’s recommendations on internationalization, which call for the enhancement of global engagement and partnerships. Through our international exchange programs, partnerships with foreign universities, and the promotion of cross-border collaborations, we ensure that our students and faculty are exposed to diverse perspectives and global best practices. This positions our institution as a leader in producing graduates who are globally competitive.

In closing, UMak strongly supports the EDCOM II Year 2 Report and the comprehensive reform agenda it proposes for the Philippine education system. The university is committed to playing an active role in the implementation of these recommendations, ensuring that the country’s education sector continues to evolve and thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. We look forward to working collaboratively with the government, stakeholders, and other educational institutions in realizing these transformative goals.

UMak and the City Government of Makati stand in full support of the Congressional Commission on Education II’s vision for a better, stronger, more resilient, and globally competitive Philippine education system.

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Attachments: EDCOM II Year 2 Report Fixing the Foundations: A Matter of National Survival (pdf)