Press Release - '2 weeks does not solve 6 years of learning loss' - EDCOM 2 Commissioner Benitez

During a field visit to a public high school in Metro Manila, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) expressed its concerns over the implementation of the National Learning Camp (NLC) of the Department of Education (DepEd), as it seems to fail to achieve its intended outcomes.

EDCOM 2 led by its Co-Chairperson Senator Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian and Commissioner Rep Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez conducted a field visit to check the implementation of the learning camps in Tinajeros National High School.

Launched through Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 13, s. 2023, the NLC is among the programs under the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP) of DepEd.

Currently, DepEd is conducting the second round of learning camps, which will run from July 01-19. These camps cover Grades 1-3 and Grades 7-10 and are structured into three groups to target the needs of learners: intervention (for those who failed in English, Science, and Math), consolidation (review and reinforcement), and enhancement (for advanced learners). DepEd also engaged learning camp volunteers to support teachers during these sessions.

Despite the claim of addressing learning loss recovery, there has been no clear evidence of improvement of education targets. Moreover, not all programs under the DepEd Order are being implemented. During the site visits, the Commission observed that students attending the intervention camp were not only catching up for proficiencies at that grade level but were also lacking the proficiencies of earlier grade levels.

"The principle might be finding ways to teach them [learners] at the right level; to teach them where they're at so we can help them move to the next stage in the fastest, most efficient, and strategic ways we possibly can. And that is not an easy thing to design. The National Learning Camp is probably one way but it cannot be the only way. Because 2 weeks does not solve 6 years of loss. The interventions need to be done everyday, during the school days," says EDCOM 2 Commissioner Rep Kiko Benitez.

Target the learners, make remediation mandatory

The EDCOM 2 together with its Standing Committee Members Dr Jennie Jocson, and Mr Elvin