Progressive organizations and youth welcomed the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA)’s decision to withdraw as a member of the fascist NTF-Elcac. The association announced the decision on February 2, after conducting consultations with its school members.

According to the association, it is withdrawing from the agency to promote academic freedom. It emphasized the commitment to safeguard the quality of education and maintain its independence as a private institution.

COCOPEA had been with NTF-Elcac for a mere three months before it reversed its decision. It became member of the NTF-Elcac in November 2024 on the grounds that it is for promoting “unity and peace” and to “help raise the quality of education” in the Philippines.

“This is an initial step in keeping this sinful institution outside schools,” Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP) president Kej Andres said.

COCOPEA’s withdrawal is considered by many progressives as proof of the power of protest against twisted policies and measures. In November, 25 student organizations signed to condemn COCOPEA’s entry into the agency, which they said is a state instrument to suppress critical thinking inside campuses.

The youth continued to warn COCOPEA against its continued cooperation with NTF-Elcac. They call for its relationship with the agency to be completely severed.

“There must be no collaboration between NTF-ELCAC and COCOPEA. Schools should focus on transparency, academic freedom, and supporting peace education,” Andres said. “This institution has no place in a society seeking just and lasting peace.”

In September 2023, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines was also a part of NTF-Elcac for a brief moment. In the same month, the CBCP also withdrew from the agency after their move drew criticism.