EDD Talks

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) today welcomed the historic signing of the Joint Circular (JC) on the Omnibus Guidelines for the Use of the Special Education Fund (SEF). Formalized by the DepEd Philippines, Department of Budget and Management, DILG Philippines, and Department of Finance, this unified effort directly addresses the needs of LGUs and schools in addressing the learning crisis.

The Joint Circular updates the previous guidelines governing the Special Education Fund, specifically, JC No. 1, s. 2017, and JC Nos. 1 and 2, s. 2020. The revised scope of allowable expenses has been updated so that local resources can fully support recent laws such as the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Program Act (RA No. 12199), the National Feeding Program (RA No. 11037), and the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act (RA No. 12028).

Read more: https://edcom2.gov.ph/new-guidelines-expanding-use-of-special-education-fund-signed-set-to-support-literacy-gaps/

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Marinel Bernaldo Galedo, Althea Jennel Mahinay, Ronel Sayaboc Asuncion, Christine Melarpis Jamisola, Ydilyn Blanco Falsario

EDD Talks 8 Highlights Transformative Supervision and Governance for Philippine Schools

November 29, 2025 - CCI G-SPACE

With the theme “Reinventing Supervision & Governance for Transformative Education in the Philippines,” the eighth installment of EDD Talks brought together educators, graduate students, and academic leaders for a compelling half-day discourse on the evolving landscape of Philippine basic education. Organized through the EdD115 class, the event showcased research-grounded insights, field-based experiences, and forward-looking perspectives from speakers who examined diverse dimensions of supervision, governance, curriculum implementation, and inclusive leadership.

In his welcome message, G-SPACE Dean Dr. David C. Bueno emphasized that in an era of rapid change and complex societal demands, supervision and governance must move “beyond compliance” and instead inspire innovation, uphold integrity, and champion equity. He reminded participants that leadership is not defined by titles, but by the courage to rethink and reform systems for the sake of learners.

Dr. Bueno stressed that EDD Talks exemplifies the Graduate School’s commitment to nurturing leaders who can respond to challenges with both competence and compassion—leaders who understand that every decision made in supervision or governance must ultimately uplift the Filipino learner.

Similarly, EdD Talks Director and Program Chair Dr. Manolito Bada Basilio reiterated the platform’s purpose: to convene educators for meaningful dialogue, to showcase innovative leadership, and to empower emerging leaders with the mindset and moral commitment to serve schools and communities. He described EDD Talks as a “movement that strengthens not just academic competence but the heart of leadership.”

Together, their messages set the tone for a learning space rooted in reflection, relevance, and transformative intent.

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ARAL Program as a Commitment to Learner Recovery

The session opened with Lesley Liquiran, who examined the ARAL National Learning Recovery Program. She argued that ARAL becomes transformative only when schools design intentional, learner-responsive intervention plans. With clear monitoring, trained teachers, and targeted remediation, the program can effectively close post-pandemic learning gaps. Liquiran underscored that ARAL is more than a mandate—it is a long-term promise to every child still struggling to catch up.

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EDCOM 2: A Wake-Up Call for School Leaders

Next, Hamilton Cruz discussed the EDCOM 2 Report, highlighting continuing challenges in instructional quality, equitable access, and resource governance. While national reforms are progressing, he emphasized that “real transformation begins in schools”—through stronger supervision, evidence-based decisions, and accountability systems that translate policy reforms into actual learner success.

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Strengthening Instructional Supervision in Curriculum Reforms

Judeleen Balut spotlighted the crucial role of supervisors in delivering the Revised K–12 Curriculum and ongoing Senior High School transitions. Through focused observations, coaching, mentoring, and continuous feedback, instructional leaders can significantly elevate teaching quality. Her key message: curriculum reforms succeed only when supervisors lead with clarity, consistency, and genuine instructional support.

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Equity-Based Leadership as a Pathway to Meaningful Change

One of the most resonant narratives came from Ma. Liza Incleto, who shared experiences from remote schools in Bataan. She detailed persistent inequities—overcrowding, limited connectivity, and inadequate materials—yet showed how equity-driven leadership has yielded improvements in reading outcomes and dropout rates. Through Equity Action Sheets, targeted supervision, and community partnerships, she demonstrated that when leaders prioritize fairness and compassion, true transformation follows.

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Inclusive Education Through Empathy-Driven Supervision

For Alwrick Pascual, inclusion must go beyond compliance. He highlighted the need for supervisors who empower teachers to support diverse learners through coaching, LAC facilitation, resource mobilization, and data-informed strategies. His talk centered on empathy as the foundation of an inclusive school environment where every child—especially those with special needs—feels valued and supported.

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Future-Ready Leadership and Supervision

Closing the lineup, Mark Edrad discussed future-ready supervision amid technological disruptions and post-pandemic shifts. Schools today require leaders who are adaptable, innovative, and comfortable with digitalization and AI integration. Preparing schools for the future, he asserted, begins with leaders who embrace change, lead innovation, and sustain meaningful reforms.

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A Platform for Continuing Leadership Growth

EDD Talks 8 marks another milestone in the Graduate School’s mission to cultivate reflective, purpose-driven, and forward-thinking educational leaders. As Dr. Basilio expressed, EDD Talks continues to be a venue for dialogue, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership, strengthening the capacity of MAEd and EdD students to navigate the complexities of today’s Philippine education system.

Participants left with renewed resolve to lead with integrity, empathy, and vision—qualities emphasized by both Dr. Bueno and Dr. Basilio as essential to transformative governance and supervision.

With eight installments completed across three academic years, EDD Talks has firmly established itself as a beacon of scholarly exchange and leadership development at Columban College.

Stay tuned for EDD Talks 9—coming soon.
Together, we continue the journey toward a more equitable, future-ready, and learner-centered Philippine education system.

EdD TALKS 8: Reinventing Supervision & Governance for Transformative Education in the Philippines

Join us for the EdD TALKS 8 of the Graduate School for Professional Advancement and Continuing Education (G-SPACE) - Columban College, Inc., as we delve into critical themes shaping the future of Philippine education!

🗓️ Event Details

Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM (Philippine Time)

Platform: Live via the EDD Talks page

🎤 Meet Our Homegrown Academic Speakers and Their Topics. Learn from distinguished practitioners who will share their insights on vital educational reforms and practices.

🔗 Register and Join!

Be part of this inspiring session and gain valuable knowledge to transform educational leadership and governance in your school or division.

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See you there!

💡 What makes EDD Talks unique? It’s a space where YOUR voice shapes the future of education. From innovative teaching methods to policy reform, we’re here to amplify your ideas. Share one idea you’d love to explore in a talk! 👇

🌐 Unleash the Future of Education! 🚀 Dive into EDD Talks @ CCI G-SPACE, where innovative graduate school students spark a global learning revolution. 💡📚

EDD Talks in the G-SPACE! 🚀 This is the platform for grad students to share bold ideas, dive into deep educational concepts, and spark transformative discussions. Join the conversation! Tell us: What education topic are you passionate about? 💬

EdD Talks 7: Reimagining Basic Education in the Philippines in the Era of MATATAG and SHS Reform

Olongapo City, Philippines — August 16, 2025.

At a time when Philippine education is undergoing significant shifts, the Columban College Graduate School for Professional Advancement and Continuing Education (CCI G-SPACE) brought together educators, researchers, and thought leaders for EdD Talks 7, streamed live via Facebook with the theme “Reimagining Basic Education in the Philippines: Strengthening Curriculum, Equity, and Teacher Agency in the Era of MATATAG and Senior High School Reform.”

Now in its third year as a trimestral flagship activity of the Doctor of Education (EdD) Program, EdD Talks has established itself as a dynamic platform where educators engage in purposeful discourse and share forward-thinking practices that respond to the needs of Philippine education.

Setting the Tone: A Call to Reimagine Education

The program was warmly hosted by Ms. Jennifer R. Talaugon and opened with an inspirational message from Dr. David C. Bueno, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services and Dean of G-SPACE.

Dr. Bueno’s remarks framed the day’s discussions:

“The MATATAG curriculum and the ongoing reforms in Senior High School challenge us to think deeply about what we teach, how we teach, and why we teach. But they also open opportunities—to make our curriculum more relevant, our classrooms more equitable, and our teachers more empowered.”

He reminded participants that EdD Talks is not merely a showcase of ideas but a “collective exploration of solutions.” His words anchored the event in a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility, urging participants to carry forward the insights into practice.

Following this, Dr. Manolito B. Basilio, Chair of the EdD and MAEd Programs, delivered the Statement of Purpose, outlining three aims of EdD Talks:

To convene educators, researchers, and stakeholders for meaningful dialogue and exchange.

To showcase innovative approaches and adaptive leadership in an evolving educational landscape.

To empower educational leaders with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to respond to complex challenges with vision and compassion.

Dr. Basilio reminded everyone that the true measure of EdD Talks lies in how the insights resonate beyond the forum—into classrooms, institutions, and the lives of Filipino learners.

Conversations that Matter: Voices from the Field

The highlight of EdD Talks 7 was the series of thought-provoking presentations from six resource speakers who tackled pressing issues confronting Philippine basic education.

Ms. Jennifer R. Talaugon opened with a discussion on the recalibration of the Senior High School (SHS) program. She explained how the strengthened SHS curriculum responds to criticisms of being overloaded and misaligned with real-world demands. By reducing core subjects, offering flexible tracks, and integrating hands-on work immersion, the reform aims to produce graduates who are competent, confident, and ready for both higher education and employment.

Ms. Al-Ahl B. Gonzales turned the spotlight to values, citizenship, and nation-building. She stressed that education must go beyond academics, reminding participants that “success is not just about good grades—it’s about raising good citizens who do what is right, even when it’s hard.” By placing character education at the center, the MATATAG curriculum strengthens honesty, kindness, and patriotism as lived values.

Ms. Romela N. Navarro addressed the urgent issue of learning recovery in foundational literacy and numeracy. With the pandemic widening learning gaps, she emphasized the need for intensive reading interventions, adaptive tools, and differentiated strategies to ensure no learner is left behind. Literacy and numeracy, she said, are the foundation for lifelong learning.

Ms. Eloisa A. Irasga focused on teacher agency and support. She reminded everyone that no reform can succeed without empowered teachers. Professional development, supportive leadership, and well-being initiatives, she argued, must be in place to enable teachers to innovate and lead change. “Strong teachers build strong learners, and strong learners build strong schools,” she said.

Ms. Meiah Daphne M. Villaruz explored the digital divide in public basic education. She pointed out that beyond the issues of connectivity and devices, many students lack conducive learning environments and digital literacy. She called for equity-focused policies, localized content, and comprehensive teacher training to ensure that technology serves as a bridge for learning, not a barrier.

Ms. Rodalie C. Dineros capped the session with a talk on climate literacy and resilience education. She urged schools to become “living laboratories,” where gardens, rainwater systems, and student-led projects serve as hands-on platforms for environmental learning. In a world shaped by climate change, she emphasized, resilience must be integrated into both the curriculum and the daily experiences of learners.

A Shared Vision: Synthesis and Moving Forward

As synthesizer of the talks, Ms. Dineros wove together the threads of the day’s presentations into a unifying vision:

A Philippine education system that is equitable, values-driven, future-ready, technologically inclusive, environmentally responsive, and grounded in empowered teachers.

Her synthesis reminded participants that these diverse yet interconnected themes converge on one mission—to prepare learners not only for academic success, but for life, for nation-building, and for the challenges of a changing world.

Closing with Purpose

A lively Q&A session gave participants the chance to engage with the speakers before the program concluded with Closing Remarks from Ms. Eloisa A. Irasga, who challenged everyone to turn insights into actions within their schools and communities.

The seamless livestream was made possible by the technical expertise of Ms. Mayfour B. Yadno, Assistant Principal of G.L. David Memorial Integrated School, who was specially recognized for her contribution.

EdD Talks: A Growing Tradition of Dialogue and Leadership

“Educational Dynamics and Directions Talks (EdD Talks)” is more than an academic exercise—it is a strategic initiative of CCI G-SPACE to cultivate leadership, critical dialogue, and innovation among educators. Over the past three years, it has become a signature event of the EdD Program, offering a platform for intellectual engagement and professional growth.

With EdD Talks 7, Columban College reaffirms its commitment to education that is responsive, equitable, and empowering.