The House of Representatives is opening the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress with a legislative agenda focused on education, healthcare and child protection, signaling a shift toward measures aimed at easing everyday challenges faced by Filipino families.
In his opening address on Monday, House Speaker Faustino Dy said lawmakers would align their priorities with the Marcos administration’s push to address inflation, improve public services and strengthen the fight against crime and corruption.
“Like the rest of the world, we continue to face challenges in our daily lives,” Dy said, adding that Congress has a responsibility to pass measures that produce tangible improvements in people’s lives rather than simply add to the statute books.
Education tops the House’s agenda, with lawmakers seeking to expand support for students and teachers in private educational institutions, amend the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and strengthen the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program. The proposed reforms aim to widen educational opportunities while improving the quality of learning across all levels.
Lawmakers are also placing greater emphasis on child protection as digital risks continue to grow. Dy highlighted the recently approved Online Safety and Protection Act of 2026 and pointed to House Bill No. 9965, or the Children’s Social Media Safety Act, which he co-authored with Majority Leader Sandro Marcos and other legislators. The measure seeks to provide stronger safeguards for minors navigating online platforms.
Healthcare remains another key pillar of the House’s agenda. Dy said lawmakers will pursue measures to strengthen the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act, with the goal of improving access to affordable and quality medical services for Filipinos nationwide.
While the legislative priorities span multiple sectors, they share a common objective of strengthening human capital, an area widely viewed as essential to sustaining long-term economic growth.
Dy also reminded lawmakers that passing legislation is only part of their responsibility.
“Let us make sure that these laws are translated into programs that are effectively implemented so they will improve the lives of our countrymen,” he said.
As Congress resumes work, the House leadership is seeking to demonstrate that legislative success will be measured not only by the number of bills approved but by how effectively those measures translate into better education, healthcare and protection for Filipino families.
