THE Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) held a press conference to discuss pressing matters in the private education sector last July 1. 

     Presidents of the five member associations of COCOPEA namely: Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities (ACSCU), Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU), Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), and Unified TVET of the Philippines (UniTVET) presented and advanced their education agenda, in line with the upcoming State of the National Address (SONA) of the president. 

Partnership instead of Foreign Ownership

     Engr. Bernard Villamor, PACU President, shared the stance of COCOPEA on foreign ownership of educational institutions. “We see no reason to amend the 1987 Constitution,” Villamor said. 

     Instead of allowing foreign ownership, Engr. Villamor said that foreign institutions can be part of the country’s education system through other means. “We believe that foreign institutions may be attractive to enter the Philippines through other models like partnerships, alliances, and linkages,” he added. COCOPEA calls on Congress to protect and promote quality education at all levels. 

The next DepEd Secretary 

     The Council further shared that it submitted a list of names to the Office of the President, which the organization endorses as the next Department of Education Secretary following Vice President Sara Duterte's unprecedented resignation. 

     COCOPEA recommended the following individuals: Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez, Joyce Andaya, former DepEd director for curriculum and development, Gina Gonong, undersecretary for curriculum and teaching, and Wilmer Joseph Tria, president of the Catholic Education Association of Caceres.

     Fr. Albert N. Delvo, COCOPEA Chairperson, explained that the main factors considered were educational expertise, track record, and ability to address the current education crisis as considered by the Council and its members.

     Fr. Onfore Inocencio, UniTVET President, explained that the next DepEd Chief must have the right values. “Values are important. The next DepEd Secretary must have firm values,” Fr. Inocencio said.  

     When asked how soon the replacement should be done, considering education is one of the country's most important sectors, Fr. Delvo said, “It should not be hurriedly done. It must be a careful, deliberate, and cautious process.” 

     As of press time, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has announced Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara will be the next DepEd Chief, effective July 19. 

Protection for private schools 

     Regarding the current state of the private education sector, Atty. John Jacome, COCOPEA Executive Director, explains the impact of current and pending legislation on the country’s educational institutions. 

     He further shared that the law shall protect the sustainability of private schools. “We need laws, like magna carta for private schools, that will create mechanisms that will incentivize private schools,” Atty. Jacome said. 

     The press conference is part of the activities of the 9th COCOPEA Conference at SMX Convention Center, SM Aura from July 1-2, 2024.