Dr. Harry Anthony Patrinos is the Head of the Department of Education Reform and 21st Century Endowed Chair in Education Policy at the University of Arkansas, specializing in the economics of education. Formerly a Senior Adviser at the World Bank, he has held key roles across global regions, led major research initiatives like the Harmonized Learning Outcomes database, and authored over 50 journal articles. He holds a doctorate from the University of Sussex and has a distinguished background in both policy and academic work on education and equity, including the socioeconomic status of Indigenous Peoples.

Dr. Karol Mark Yee is the Executive Director of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, leading efforts to assess and reform the Philippine education system. A scholar of both the Jardine Foundation and Fulbright Program, he holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and a Master’s from Harvard. He has held key roles in CHED, the Senate, and USAID’s YouthWorks PH project, and is currently affiliated with Ateneo de Manila, UP CIDS, and SUNY Albany's PROPHE.

Dr. Ronald U. Mendoza is the Undersecretary for Strategic Management at the Department of Education, specializing in governance and institutional reforms with over 25 years of experience in economic development and public administration. He previously served as Dean of the Ateneo School of Government, led a USAID governance project, and held leadership roles at AIM and IDInsight. A recognized expert with global affiliations, including the UN CEPA, he has also been named among the Philippines’ top 100 scientists. He holds degrees from Ateneo, Harvard, and Fordham University.

Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC is the 24th president of De La Salle University (DLSU), a leading institution in the Philippines and part of the global Lasallian network. A lifelong Lasallian, he earned his degrees including a Doctor of Education from DLSU and joined the De La Salle Brothers in the 1970s.

He previously served as president of La Salle Green Hills, Jaime Hilario Integrated School-La Salle, DLSU Professional Schools, and De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, and held multiple vice chancellor roles at DLSU. He was appointed DLSU Chancellor in 2018 and president in 2021.

Br. Bernie is active in educational and civic organizations, holding leadership roles in PAASCU, SMEC, ASAIHL-NCP, ACUP, PETA, and AIM. His leadership is marked by a commitment to Lasallian mission, academic excellence, and regional collaboration.

OIC-Usec. Malcolm S. Garma is the Assistant Secretary and Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Undersecretary for Operations at the Department of Education, bringing decades of experience in educational leadership. He began his career at the UP Integrated School and later served as Regional Director in key areas including Regions IX, III, I, and NCR. His work has focused on strengthening education systems, expanding access, and improving literacy outcomes, including through roles with the USAID RTI ABC+ project and the National Academy of Sports. He is also part of EDCOM 2's Standing Committee on Governance and Finance and holds an MBA from Ateneo.

Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo is the President and CEO of Mapúa University, a leading institution in engineering and technological education in the Philippines. A Mapúa alumnus and a Ph.D. holder in Educational Leadership from De La Salle University, he brings nearly four decades of experience in academic innovation and institutional leadership. Known for founding and transforming Mapúa MCL and Mapúa MCM, he now leads the university's centennial vision focused on sustainability, digital transformation, and global competence—championing initiatives like the T4 Career Readiness Framework and AI Strategy Roadmap to prepare students for the future.

Dr. Gerardo "Bombit" Largoza is an Associate Professor at De La Salle University’s School of Economics, where he researches productivity and organizational capabilities of Philippine firms. He also serves as Executive Director for Strategic Management and Quality Assurance, overseeing academic quality and institutional strategy. A contributor to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM2), he is an active assessor and former Philippine representative to the ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance Council.

Don began his career as a banker, working for 12 years across four countries. Since 1997, he has independently consulted, trained, and taught in nearly 20 countries, working with top financial institutions and co-founding a consulting group that has improved MBA programs, led strategic planning, and developed financial models.

Over the past decade, he has focused on education reform, particularly in K to 12 finance and policy, contributing to major programs like Educational Service Contracting, the Senior High School Voucher Program, and DepEd’s Basic Education Development Plan 2030. He recently completed a study on the absorptive capacity of Philippine basic education.

Don has taught graduate students for 25 years, authored four books, and written columns and training cases. He is currently completing his doctoral dissertation.

Dr. Jennie V. Jocson is the Executive Director V of the Teacher Education Council Secretariat, leading key initiatives such as the teacher career progression framework, education scholarships, and curriculum reform. A respected educator with 25 years of experience, she holds a post-doctorate in research from the University of New England, Australia, and was honored with the 2023 Bravo Empowered Women Award in Education.

Mr. Suresh Natarajan is the CEO of ITE Education Services since November 2024, leading efforts to enhance skills recognition and career mobility across 30 countries, improving technical education and workforce development in emerging economies. Before this, he was Principal of ITE College Central and has extensive experience in industry and government roles, including senior management at Applied Materials and strategic development at Singapore’s Economic Development Board. He holds advanced degrees in Electrical Engineering and has completed executive programs at top business schools. He also serves on corporate and educational boards.

Fr. Johnny Go is the Founding Dean of the Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design at Ateneo de Manila University and serves as the Basic Education Coordinator for the Jesuit Asia Pacific Conference. A seasoned educator and scholar, he teaches across multiple institutions and disciplines, including education, philosophy, and science and society. His expertise spans Ignatian pedagogy, teacher development, and leadership, with several published books and international workshops to his name. He holds doctorates in education from UCL and Singapore’s NIE and is also known for his award-winning Bible blog, Pins of Light.

Dr. Guevara began her career as a public school teacher and later served as Undersecretary of Finance under President Ramos, followed by her work as a tax advisor for the IMF. She co-founded Synergeia to help every Filipino child finish elementary education and has received multiple awards for her integrity and leadership in public finance and education. She currently teaches at the Ateneo School of Government and serves as a trustee in several development foundations.

Dr. Ester B. Ogena is a distinguished educator, researcher, and former President of Philippine Normal University (PNU). She previously served as Director of the Science Education Institute under the Department of Science and Technology and currently holds key roles in national education policy and development, including as a member of EDCOM2, Vice President of FUSE, and consultant to the Teacher Education Council.

She is actively involved in leadership and teaching with institutions such as Asian Institute of Management, PNU, and the Research Institute on Teacher Quality. Dr. Ogena has also led regional efforts in education as founding president of ASTEN, recognized by ASEAN, and established several national teacher education networks.

She holds degrees in Mathematics Education from PNU and UP, with further training from institutions in France, Germany, and South Korea. Dr. Ogena has received numerous prestigious awards, including the TOWNS Award, Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award, and recognition from ASEAN in 2024 for her leadership in teacher education across the region.

Dr. Gisela D.A. Luna is currently in her 4th year as President of Trinity University of Asia. A nurse by profession, she rose through the academic ranks from faculty to Dean, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and eventually University President.

She is actively engaged in quality assurance as a PAASCU accreditor, member of its Commission on Health Sciences Education, and a CHED technical evaluator for nursing.

Dr. Luna also serves as Board Secretary of the Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion (CUAC) and President of its Asia chapter, helping facilitate international service-learning programs. Her leadership reflects a commitment to academic excellence and holistic student formation, grounded in civic, religious, and professional involvement.

Rev. Msgr. Ely Rafael D. Fuentes is a Catholic priest from the Archdiocese of Jaro, Iloilo City, and a Papal Chaplain appointed by Pope Benedict XVI. He holds degrees in Philosophy and Theology, as well as a master’s in education and a Ph.D. in Social Science from West Visayas State University.

He currently serves as School Director of the Central Cluster of Parochial Schools, Superintendent of Parochial Schools, and Chairperson of the Commission on Catholic Schools in Jaro. He is also Rector and Parish Priest of the Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Fatima and contributes to national education through roles in CEAP and as PEAC Regional Program Director for Region VI.