The Gokongwei Brothers Foundation welcomes the release of the final report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform (2026–2035). We view this roadmap as an important step toward building a stronger, more responsive Philippine education system, one that equips learners with foundational skills, supports teachers as catalysts of change, and strengthens pathways from school to meaningful employment.
We see strong alignment between EDCOM 2’s recommendations and GBF’s ongoing efforts, particularly in strengthening teacher specialization, expanding access to quality digital resources for educators, and building clear pathways from education to employment. These are areas where sustained, coordinated action can deliver real outcomes for students, schools, and communities.
As a foundation committed to making a lasting impact on Philippine education, GBF’s work is anchored on three core beneficiaries: learners, teachers, and communities.
For learners, we expand access to quality education through our GBF STEM Scholarships and Iskolar ni Juan programs. These initiatives aim to develop high-potential youth into future STEM professionals and skilled technical workers who can contribute meaningfully to industry and give back to their communities, advancing the shared goal of stronger school-to-employment pathways.
For teachers, we invest in practical, relevant, and scalable professional development. Through our flagship program GBF Class Builder, we enrich teacher’s content mastery and pedagogy using practice-based learning embedded in teachers’ day-to-day work. Through the GBF STEM Collab Community, we nurture a nationwide network of educators committed to continuous learning and peer support. Through the TeachSTEM Certificate Program, we address teacher–subject specialization by enabling educators to upskill and earn graduate-level credits, strengthening their instructional quality and supporting long-term professionalization. These programs are anchored in our faith that when educators are empowered, learning is amplified across generations.
For communities, we bring together partners through the GBF Juan Community, mobilizing volunteers and resources from the Gokongwei Group and different key stakeholders to support schools and local initiatives. Guided by the spirit of bayanihan, we aim to create safe and accessible spaces where collaboration, volunteerism, and meaningful exchange can flourish.
Moving forward, GBF, along with the entire Gokongwei Group, looks forward to continuing our close collaboration with government partners, including the Department of Education (DepEd), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), alongside civil society and the private sector. We believe that transforming education is a shared responsibility, and that lasting change is possible when we work together across sectors.
We invite fellow partners to join us in advancing solutions that strengthen foundational learning, support teachers, and prepare Filipino learners for productive, purpose-driven futures. Together, let us turn this decade of reform into a decade of impact.
