With the national government set to fully devolve basic services and facilities to local government units (LGUs) in 2022, Senator Win Gatchalian says local school boards should be strengthened in their capacity to deliver educational programs and services.

While the Department of Education (DepEd) is seeking an additional P2.58 billion in 2022 to hire 10,000 teachers, more than 30,000 teaching positions are yet to be filled as of September this year.

The Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS-VP) is in peril with its budget facing a looming decline of P.8.7 billion for the next fiscal year, Senator Win Gatchalian said.

For Senator Win Gatchalian, the education department should ensure that funds are properly used to procure and provide computers for the country’s public schools.

Senator Win Gatchalian is urging the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and local government units (LGUs) to help the Department of Education (DepEd) in accelerating full COVID-19 vaccination coverage among teachers.

The 2022 budget of the Department of Education (DepEd) should prioritize the safe reopening of schools, Senator Win Gatchalian said.

Alert levels that will be assigned to local government units (LGUs) should help determine what schools should be opened after the pilot run of limited face-to-face classes, Senator Win Gatchalian proposed.

The Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture will hold an inquiry on the preparations for the pilot testing of limited face-to-face classes, Senator Win Gatchalian said.

Amid the celebration of World Teachers’ Day this October 5, Senator Win Gatchalian reiterates his call to uphold the welfare and safety of the country’s education frontliners, who have been sacrificing their health and safety to ensure learning continuity at this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.