Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) Congressman Win Gatchalian proclaimed his senatorial bid under Partido GP (Galing at Puso) as he pushed for progressive reforms in education, the economy, and governance.
“Ako po si Win Gatchalian, at inaalay ko po ang aking 15 taong karanasan bilang dating alkalde at ngayo’y kongresista ng lungsod ng Valenzuela, bilang tagapagsulong ng mga tunay na reporma sa edukasyon, sa pamamahala, at sa ekonomiya,” said the Valenzuela City lawmaker in his acceptance speech before a jampacked crowd in Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan.
Gatchalian underscored in his speech that the economic growth of the past five years was not inclusive. Many were left behind by the brisk economic growth of the Philippine economy. The lives of many of Filipinos did not improve in spite of the economic gains.
He said it is high time for a new government that is sensitive to the needs of each and every Filipino.
“Kaya panahon na po para sa isang gobyernong may pagkalinga at may tunay na malasakit sa mahihirap. Isang gobyernong may kunsensya at dignidad. Gobyernong gagawin ang lahat para masolusyunan ang suliranin na kinakaharap ng karaniwang Pilipino. Panahon na po para sa isang gobyernong walang pinipili at walang iniiwanan,” said Gatchalian.
Gatchalian believes that under a Grace Poe presidency, no Filipino will be left behind. “Every Filipino will be afforded the opportunities necessary to partake of the economic gains.”
Quality education and accessible education for all Filipinos is the main legislative agenda of Gatchalian if he is elected to Senate in May 2016.
Gatchalian is the author of House Bill No. 5905, also known as the “Free Higher Education Act”, which will fully subsidize tuition fee in all state universities and colleges (SUCs) for all current and future enrollees provided they maintain good academic and moral standing. The measure has already been approved at the committee level.
Based on the Family and Income Expenditure Survey 2012, a household led by a college graduate earns an average family income that is more than twice that of a family headed by one who has only finished high school.
“Ang edukasyon ay karapatan ng lahat ng mamamayan at hindi lang ng iilang mayayaman. Ang edukasyon ay karapatan ng bawat Pilipino na may sipag at tiyaga na mag-aral. Hindi makatarungan na hindi makapag-aral ang mga mahihirap. Hindi dapat maging hadlang ang kahirapan para sa pagpasok ng kolehiyo,” explained Gatchalian.
If elected senator, Gatchalian will bring his wealth of experience as former mayor who brought dramatic changes in the City of Valenzuela. The city was awarded the prestigious Galing Pook Award for innovations and excellence in local governance and named by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the Most Business Friendly Local Government Unit in 2012 under his watch.
“Ang pangarap ko po ay pangarap rin ng bawat Pilipino: de kalidad na edukasyon, disenteng trabaho, at marangal na pamumuhay,” concluded Gatchalian. (Monica Cantilero)
