National Academy of Sports to produce future Olympic gold medalists

First but definitely not the last. Senator Win Gatchalian expressed optimism that the National Academy of Sports (NAS) will produce athletes who will follow in the footsteps of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, the first Olympic gold medalist for the Philippines.   The NAS was established following the signing into law of Republic Act 11470 last year. […]

Improve learner performance in math, science to foster innovation

To successfully foster innovation in the new normal and aid the country’s post-pandemic recovery, Senator Win Gatchalian pressed the need to improve K to 12 learners’ proficiency in both math and science.   Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, said it is crucial to equip learners with strong foundational […]

Quality teacher education, training should start in teacher education institutions

While in-service training can help the teachers with their professional development, Senator Win Gatchalian maintained that aspiring teachers should start receiving quality education and training from teacher education institutions (TEIs) during their pre-service training.   Reforming the teacher education system was one of the proposals put forth by the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts […]

Thorough assessment of year-long distance learning needed ahead of next school opening

As School Year (SY) 2020-2021 formally ended on July 10, Senator Win Gatchalian pressed the urgent need for a thorough assessment of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) distance learning program to prepare for SY 2021-2022.   Gatchalian has filed Senate Resolution No. 739, which seeks to assess the preparedness of basic education institutions to deliver […]

Proposed EDCOM revival should urgently address ‘education crisis’

The proposed revival of the Congressional Oversight Committee on Education (EDCOM) should pave the way for a more aggressive pursuit of reforms in the basic education sector, Senator Win Gatchalian said.   Without meaningful reforms to the country’s basic education sector—from the curriculum, teacher quality, and education governance–Gatchalian warned that the intergenerational impact of the […]

On teenage pregnancy prevention as national priority: Address gaps in sexuality education

Following the issuance of an executive order declaring the prevention of teenage pregnancy as a national priority, Senator Win Gatchalian reiterated the need to address existing gaps in delivering comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), which is highlighted in the passage of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10354).   The […]

On Nat’l Disaster Resilience Month: Strengthen delivery of education during emergencies

Amidst the nationwide observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month this July, Senator Win Gatchalian pressed the need to strengthen the basic education sector’s capacity to deliver education in emergency situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.   “Pinagdaraanan natin ngayon ang pinakamalaking sakuna na nararanasan sa buong mundo. Sa pagtataguyod natin ng new o better […]

Satellite-based technologies bill to intensify digital education

Maximizing the use of satellite technology to widen internet access nationwide will be a boost to the rollout of digital technology in public schools, Senator Win Gatchalian said.   Senate Bill No. 2250 or the “Satellite-Based Technologies for Internet Connectivity Act of 2021” aims to expand access to satellite-based technologies as an alternative connectivity solution […]

LUCs key to addressing jobs-skills mismatch, boosting post-COVID recovery

Amid the country’s economic recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Win Gatchalian cites the important role of local universities and colleges (LUCs) in increasing access to education while addressing persistent jobs-skills mismatch.   In a webinar titled “The Future of Local Colleges and Universities” hosted by the Philippine Futures Thinking Society and […]