EDCOM 2 and Ateneo award research fellowships to 16 individuals

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM2), in partnership with Ateneo de Manila University through the Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design (GBSEALD) and the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG), launched the Ateneo - EDCOM2 Research Fellowship Awarding Ceremony on Wednesday, the 25th of September 2024 at the Areté, Loyola Heights campus, Ateneo de Manila University. 

The ceremony was held to award the sixteen (16) distinguished individuals from various academic institutions across the country who qualified for the research fellowship program in recognition of their significant contributions in the field of educational reform and transformation. 

Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, Ateneo de Manila University president, welcomed the audience with a message of gratitude and hope for the university’s vital role of bridging the gaps in the Philippine Education System. Dr Karol Mark Yee, EDCOM2 Executive Director, who gave the welcome remarks, highlighted the Commission’s work and mission as well as the critical challenges which have yet to be strategically addressed. Dr Philip Arnold P Tuaño, Dean of the Ateneo School of Government, provided a comprehensive overview of the Ateneo-EDCOM2 Research Fellowship Program to contextualize its undertakings. Dr Maria Luz C Vilches, Vice President for Higher Education of the Ateneo, closed the ceremony with a sharing of her personal experiences of the Philippine Public School Education and how it has motivated her to be a catalyst of change within her official and personal capacities.  

The research fellows, who include the following individuals: Ma. Josephine Therese Emily G Teves – University of the Philippines Manila, Genejane M Adarlo – Ateneo de Manila University, Jan Carlo B Punongbayan – University of the Philippines Diliman, Anne Lan K Candelaria – Ateneo de Manila University, Rhodora S. Crizaldo – Cavite State University, Marilyn U. Balagtas – Philippine Normal University, Dr Brando Palomar – Philippine Normal University – Research Institute for Teacher Quality, Rosalyn G Mirasol – University of Santo Tomas, Gerry B de Cadiz PhD, EnP – Eastern Visayas State University, Ma. Via Jucille Roderos Galban – Ateneo de Manila University, Lizamarie Campoamor-Olegario – University of the Philippines Diliman, Norby R Salonga – De La Salle University, Victor S Rosales – Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Christopher C. Chua – Batangas State University, Ms Romelia Inocencio Neri – Ateneo de Manila University, and Manuel R Tanpoco – De La Salle University, will embark on a mission of assessing the current Philippine education systems based on priority areas and helping the Commission develop strategies and policies using multi and interdisciplinary, data-driven and evidence-based approaches. 

The launch of the research program emphasized the critical role of research not only for academic advancements but also and more importantly in nation-building. 

These strategic partnerships hope to bring about concrete and sustainable solutions to effectively achieve the kind of quality education our country and fellow Filipinos deserve.