To schools: Mobilize Child Protection Committees to combat student abuse
Senator Win Gatchalian is urging public and private basic education institutions to mobilize their Child Protection Committees (CPCs) against violence and abuse on learners. Gatchalian made this call over mounting student reports of sexual harassment at the hands of teachers, which have gained social media traction. The lawmaker underscored that CPCs should stay vigilant […]
LGUs urged to help DepEd localize, roll out Learning Continuity Plan
Senator Win Gatchalian is urging local government units (LGUs) to help the Department of Education (DepEd) in localizing the Learning Continuity Plan (LCP), a move that he says would respond to the specific needs and concerns of learners, parents, and teachers when classes reopen. Since connectivity and the availability of gadgets remain a challenge […]
Oversight review of Teacher Education Council needed
Senator Win Gatchalian is eyeing an oversight review on the challenges hounding the Teacher Education Council in improving the quality of the country’s teachers. The Teacher Education Council was established in 1994 through Republic Act No. 7784 to strengthen the education and training of the country’s teachers. One of the Council’s major functions is […]
Support for parents needed in ‘new normal education’
As the country’s basic education system transitions to the new normal, Senator Win Gatchalian eyes increased support to parents and guardians as they take on increased roles in the continuity of learning amid the threat of COVID-19. In Senate Bill No. 1565 or the Education in the New Normal Act, which Gatchalian filed, schools […]
GMRC and Values Education now a law
Senator Win Gatchalian hailed President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing of the “GMRC and Values Education Act,” which will institutionalize the teaching of both Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education in the K to 12 curriculum. According to Gatchalian, the new law strengthens learners’ character development and values formation even as the basic […]
Adequate WASH facilities needed before physical classes resume
Though the Department of Education (DepEd) is postponing face-to-face classes until a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, Senator Win Gatchalian is urging the department to fast-track the installation of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities (WASH) in public elementary and secondary schools where they are not yet available. According to Gatchalian, adequate WASH facilities are long-term […]
Teenage pregnancy surge projected amid COVID-19 pandemic
While the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) is projecting a spike in unplanned pregnancies amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Win Gatchalian is warning that a spike in teenage pregnancies could be part of this population surge, citing similar trends in the Philippines and other countries when emergencies and natural calamities occur. Gatchalian recalled […]
To telcos: Build cell sites in public elementary schools
Senator Win Gatchalian is eyeing the installation of a cell site in every DepEd school in the country to provide internet access to all of the country’s 42,046 barangays. Since most, if not all, barangays nationwide have a public school, Gatchalian said these schools provide viable spots for cell sites that would ensure nationwide […]
Marginalized learners will be hardest hit by budget cuts
Senator Win Gatchalian has warned that marginalized learners will bear the brunt of the P8.4-billion budget cut to the Department of Education (DepEd) and its attached agencies as the government pools funds to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the affected programs support vulnerable learners, Gatchalian said the budget cuts would increase the number of dropouts. […]
