The national effort to reshape Philippine education and workforce development took a significant step forward with the EDCOM 2 Healthcare Industry Cluster Workshop held this June. 101 Health Research, represented by its Managing Director Dr. Venus Cloma-Rosales, participated in the expert panel convened by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) to chart new directions for healthcare education.
Responding to a Critical Need
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities across sectors, including the deepening skills gaps in health, science, and education. Healthcare education was identified as one of five priority sectors in the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NEWDP). EDCOM 2’s approach brings together policymakers, academic institutions, industry representatives, and civic stakeholders to shape data-driven, inclusive, and sustainable reform strategies.
Participants in the workshop included representatives from the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), TESDA, UP Manila, UST, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, Department of Migrant Workers, and private sector players such as AC Health, Carelon Global Solutions, Optum, UnitedHealth Group, and others. The discussion was enriched by insights from National Scientist Dr. Carmencita Padilla, known for her work in health systems and genomics.
101 Health Research’s Role and Perspective
As an invited expert, Dr. Cloma-Rosales shared insights grounded in 101 Health Research’s work with frontline researchers and health professionals across the country. She emphasized the importance of equipping future healthcare workers with systems thinking, research capacity, and adaptive learning skills to meet both current and emerging health challenges.
The participation reflected 101 Health Research’s ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between academic preparation and service realities, ensuring that reforms are informed by evidence, frontline perspectives, and a strong public health ethos.
A Shared Vision for National Resilience
The workshop reinforced a growing sense of unity among stakeholders striving for transformative change. While many challenges remain—ranging from underinvestment in training infrastructure to fragmented policy implementation—the multi-sectoral dialogue underscored that reform is both possible and urgent.
101 Health Research will continue to engage in these national conversations, helping design solutions that are context-sensitive, equity-driven, and anchored in the real needs of Filipino communities.
📩 To learn more about our work in education and policy, or to collaborate on workforce development initiatives, contact us at hello@101healthresearch.com.
Photos from EDCOM 2 Facebook Page
