GATCHALIAN URGES GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY TO EASE OVERCROWDING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian has highlighted the need for clarity regarding the effectiveness of the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) programs in addressing overcrowding in public schools.

Gatchalian referenced the 2018 COA Performance Audit Report, which revealed that the Department of Education (DepEd) had limited data on the impact of GASTPE on public school decongestion.

“Parang lumalabas na hindi malinaw ang mga panuntunan,” said Gatchalian during a hearing on the implementation of the expanded GASTPE law (Republic Act No. 8545).

He emphasized the importance of focusing on congested areas while implementing the initiative.

However, the COA results indicate a lack of explicit policy dictating the location of the voucher program and the implementation of the Educational Service Contracting (ESC).

ESC is a partnership program under GASTPE where the government covers the tuition and other fees of excess learners in public schools who enroll in private schools contracted by the DepEd.

(el Amigo/MNM)