08 May 2023, CANBERRA – The Second Congressional Commission on Education II (EDCOM II) led by Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian and Congressman Marquez “Mark” O. Go held meetings with government and education institutions in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney to learn and discuss Australia’s best practices in education research, curriculum assessment and reporting, education governance and academic collaboration.

The EDCOM II is a national commission tasked to undertake a comprehensive national assessment and evaluation of the performance of the Philippine education sector. Senator Gatchalian and Representative Go are Co-Chairs of the Commission.

Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega welcomed the EDCOM legislative and advisory council members to the Official Residence on 03 May 2023 and briefed them on education and research collaboration of Philippine and Australian institutions as well as on opportunities for partnerships on maritime education, skills training and competency development.

The Ambassador participated in the EDCOM II’s engagement with DFAT First Assistant Secretary of the Office of Southeast Asia - Maritime Division Lauren Bain on 04 May 2023. They discussed Australia’s continued support for the Philippines' development and design of education programs and projects. Ambassador De La Vega highlighted that the elevation of bilateral relations to Strategic Partnership provides a platform to lay out a new direction for education cooperation.

The delegation also met with the Australian Department of Education and the Canberra Institute and Technology during their visit to Canberra. – END