Manila: Senator Bam Aquino on Wednesday expressed his support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s renewed focus on education during the President's fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), highlighting its alignment with the Senate Committee on Basic Education's seven-point reform agenda. In a privilege speech before the Senate plenary, Aquino noted that six out of the committee's seven priorities were included in the SONA, saying it felt like hitting "bingo."

According to Philippines News Agency, Aquino, who chairs the Senate education panel, emphasized his full support for the administration's commitment to addressing critical issues in the education sector. These include nutrition, classroom shortage, internet connectivity, textbook delivery, teacher support, learning recovery, and employability of graduates. He praised the President's affirmation that education should remain a top priority for the administration's remaining years.

Aquino assured Malaca±ang that the Senate is prepared to pass necessary measures and will exercise strict oversight to ensure effective implementation. He has filed several bills, including the Classroom Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act, E-Textbook Para sa Lahat Act, Angat Sweldo Para sa Guro Act, and School-to-Employment Program (STEP) Act, aimed at addressing these educational challenges.

Furthermore, Aquino challenged Congress to increase the education budget to a minimum of 4 percent of the national gross domestic product (GDP), aligning with global recommendations. He expressed confidence that with the budget increase and the President's commitment during the SONA, funding for the necessary educational reforms will be secured.

He stressed the importance of collaboration across sectors, including the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the private sector, and advocacy groups, to tackle the education crisis. Aquino called on stakeholders to fight for the right of every Filipino youth to receive quality education.

The senator's initiatives received full support from his colleagues, including Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the former chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and current chair of the Senate Committee on Finance.