Ateneo signs MOA with EDCOM 2 for education research fellowship

On 5 July 2024, Ateneo de Manila University signed a memorandum of agreement with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2). The MOA solidifies the partnership between EDCOM 2 and Ateneo for an education research fellowship through the Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design (GBSEALD) and the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG).

The new EDCOM 2 – Ateneo Research Fellowship is set to generate the final set of studies that will be used for the Commission's reforms. These will focus on sixteen (16) research priority areas including early childhood care and development, basic education, higher education, teacher education, technical-vocational education and training and lifelong learning, and governance and financing for education. 

In his address during the signing, EDCOM 2 Executive Director Dr Karol Mark R Yee underlined the importance of research and evidence in policymaking and reform.

"The importance of research was very clear when we started with EDCOM 2, as we understood that we cannot jump into solutions without first and foremost doing proper diagnosis of the problems we face," Dr Yee stated. "That is what real research requires. Not just general statements of what needs to be done, but an incisive analysis of the factors that cause it, and clear recommendations as to how to solve these issues, while accounting for the context in which we operate."

Dr Yee added that EDCOM 2's collaboration with higher education institutions like Ateneo allows for better coordination between policymakers and researchers.

“We are really working step by step with our scholars to make sure that whatever we know from the field," he said. "Whatever we know from our hearings, we are able to share with our research fellows so that the studies really give us the most concrete and instructive recommendations.”

These sentiments were echoed by Ateneo de Manila University President Fr Roberto C Yap SJ.

"This collaboration not only underscores our shared commitment to improving the Philippine education sector but also highlights the importance of evidence-based policy recommendations," Fr Yap said.

He added that the University was "eager to work with EDCOM 2" to help improve the Philippine education sector through research on the challenges it currently faces.

"We believe that through this fellowship, we will uncover significant insights that will pave the way for substantial and lasting reforms to address the educational crisis."

Also present at the signing from Ateneo were Fr Johnny Go SJ, Dean of the Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design; Dr Philip Arnold P Tuano, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government; Dr Maria Luz C Vilches, Vice President for Higher Education; Dr Ma Assunta C Cuyegkeng, Executive Director of the Lily Gokongwei Ngochua Leadership Academy; Ms Ivyrose S Baysic, Head of the Ateneo Policy Center; and Dr Christian Leubert C Milambiling, Program Manager for Research of the Ateneo Center for Education Reform. 

Applications for the EDCOM 2 – Ateneo Research Fellowship are currently open. Deadline for submission of applications is 15 July 2024.