MANILA — The EDCOM 2, in its final report released this week, warned that the country’s already shortened school year is being further disrupted by numerous mandated activities, ranging from national competitions to commemorative observances. 

These legislated events, while intended to enrich student experiences, have been found to consume valuable classroom hours and reduce focus on essential subjects such as mathematics, science, and reading comprehension.

Among the activities cited are the Palarong Pambansa, the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), Nutrition Month, Philippine Environment Month, and World AIDS Day. Many of these events progress from school-level contests to division, regional, and national stages, requiring tryouts, practices, and documentation. EDCOM 2 noted that this “effectively multiplies the time learners and teachers are excused from regular classes,” further crowding the calendar.

The commission’s findings were part of its comprehensive review of the education system, titled Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform. The report stressed that the overcrowded calendar undermines Republic Act No. 11480, which sought to extend the school year to improve learning outcomes. Instead, the proliferation of legislated events has shortened actual instructional time, leaving Filipino students at a disadvantage compared to peers in other countries with longer and more focused school years.

Education experts have long raised concerns about the Philippines’ learning crisis, pointing to declining scores in international assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). EDCOM 2 emphasized that maximizing classroom time is critical to reversing these trends. 

The commission urged policymakers to streamline or consolidate mandated activities, ensuring that celebrations and contests do not overshadow the core mission of schools: delivering quality education.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has yet to issue a formal response to the report, but officials previously defended some of these activities as vital to holistic student development. However, EDCOM 2 countered that while extracurriculars have value, they must not come at the expense of foundational learning.

The commission’s recommendations are expected to spark debate among lawmakers, educators, and parents, as the country grapples with balancing cultural observances and student enrichment against the urgent need to improve academic performance. 

With the release of the report, EDCOM 2 hopes to push reforms that will prioritize classroom instruction and reduce the overcrowding of the school calendar.

This development underscores the growing call for education reform in the Philippines, as stakeholders recognize that without decisive action, the nation’s students risk falling further behind in global competitiveness.