By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian stated on Friday (April 26, 2024) that the quality of student’s education has been compromised by gadgets, emphasizing that excessive use of electronic devices impacts children’s concentration.
“There’s a connection because our children can’t concentrate. I just read a research today that shows a direct link between excessive cellphone use and children’s concentration,” Gatchalian mentioned in a radio interview.
Previously, the senator expressed his desire to prohibit cellphone use during class hours to enable students to focus on their studies.
Gatchalian emphasized the importance for students to socialize with classmates and prioritize reading books while at school.
“Excessive cellphone use is also detrimental to young people… especially in terms of its psychological effects,” he added.
The lawmaker referenced studies that recommend limiting cellphone use while studying.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian is calling for an inquiry into the alleged sale of diplomas to foreign students in Cagayan for P2 million.
“While we encourage students from other countries to study in our colleges and universities, we cannot overlook the selling of degrees or diplomas that should be earned through hard work,” Gatchalian stated.
“We need to hold accountable anyone found involved in the sale of diplomas. This is not the quality education we advocate for in the country,” he added.
In Proposed Senate Resolution No. 1007, the senator aims to verify the allegations. University of the Philippines professor Chester Cabalza, founding president of the think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, reported that some of these students do not attend classes.
Earlier, Gatchalian urged the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to investigate the matter. CHED has requested Cabalza to formalize a complaint before starting an investigation.
CHED has not received any complaints regarding violations by any higher education institution in Cagayan.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian is advocating for the establishment of the National Education Council (NEDCO) to address what he perceives as a lack of cohesive, long-term vision in education.
NEDCO aims to develop a unified national education agenda and enhance coordination among the country’s three key education agencies: the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
“The evolving landscape of skills and industry demands necessitates a unified vision for education. Our aim through legislation is to establish a body that aligns us all towards a common educational trajectory,” stated Gatchalian.
According to Senate Bill No. 2017, NEDCO is tasked with institutionalizing a coordinated system for planning, monitoring, evaluating, implementing, and managing the national education agenda.
Additionally, NEDCO will assume responsibility for overseeing the National Achievement Test, Programme for International Student Assessment, Education Index, Education for All Development Index, and other relevant indices and measures.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Local governments should intensify their vaccination efforts against Pertussis to support the Department of Health (DOH) in its catch-up vaccination campaign, Senator Win Gatchalian stated on Monday (April 4, 2024).
“Given the ongoing rise in Pertussis cases, we must bolster our vaccination efforts to protect our fellow citizens, especially children at higher risk of contracting the disease,” Gatchalian emphasized.
“The safety and efficacy of vaccines against diseases have been proven, thus we urge LGUs to ramp up vaccination efforts,” he added.
According to the DOH, the total number of Pertussis cases is already 30 times higher than the figures reported at the same time last year.
The department also documented 49 deaths attributed to Pertussis since the beginning of the year.
Furthermore, the department noted that 79 percent of infected patients were children younger than five years old, with six out of ten either unvaccinated or having an incomplete vaccination history.
On Monday, the DOH issued a Pertussis alert in Calabarzon.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian stated on Thursday (April 4, 2024) that the original school calendar may be reinstated by 2025 as the Department of Education initiates its gradual transition.
“It will be a gradual process because we can’t rush it. If we do, we might end up with a year without breaks,” the chairman of the Senate basic education committee remarked during the Kapihan sa Senado forum.
“So, the timeframe is around two years. I believe that by the school year 2025, we can revert to our original calendar. The good news is that the transition has already begun,” Gatchalian added.
The disruption of the school calendar due to the pandemic was highlighted by Gatchalian as one of the issues.
“One of the unfortunate consequences of the pandemic is the disruption of our school calendar,” he emphasized.
“If we recall, in 2020, schools opened in October. Consequently, academic breaks fell in July or even August.”
The senator is in favor of returning to the old school calendar.
“We support that initiative. In fact, 88% of our fellow citizens want to revert to the previous academic calendar. Firstly, because it’s what we’re accustomed to,” he stated.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian urged principals on Tuesday (April 2, 2024) to implement blended learning in response to parents’ concerns about the threats of pertussis (whooping cough) and the hot weather.
“Gusto nating paalalahanan ang mga punong-guro na kung may banta sa kaligtasan ng ating mga mag-aaral, maaaring ipatupad ng mga paaralan ang blended learning lalo na’t may agam-agam tayo sa pagkalat ng pertussis at sa mainit na klima. Patuloy nating maisasagawa ang edukasyon ng ating mga kabataan habang binibigyang prayoridad ang kanilang kalusugan at kaligtasan,” Gatchalian said.
More schools and local government units (LGUs) suspended face-to-face classes on Tuesday (02 April 2024) due to extreme heat.
Meanwhile, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada emphasized that schools and LGUs may implement blended or distance learning by Department of Education Order No. 44, s. 2022.
“Naiintindihan natin ang mga pangangamba ng mga magulang, guro, at maging ng mga mag-aaral dahil sa matinding init na nararanasan nitong mga nakaraang araw. Bukod sa mahirap mag-focus sa pag-aaral dahil sa mainit na panahon, ang kapakanan ng mga kabataang mag-aaral ang dapat nating isaalang-alang sa kasalukuyan,” Estrada said.
“Ang DepEd order ay maaaring gamiting batayan ng mga LGUs at opisyal ng paaralan upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng pertussis sa mga paaralan.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
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)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian has called on the government to intensify its fire prevention measures amidst the prevailing El Niño conditions in the country.
“Because the El Niño weather phenomenon poses additional risks of fire incidents, we need to assist our fellow citizens in acquiring extra knowledge in preparation to prevent fire incidents in the country,” Gatchalian emphasized.
The senator made this appeal as the nation prepares to observe Fire Prevention Month in March.
In line with his advocacy, Gatchalian has extended food assistance to fire victims in Puerto Princesa City. He visited the evacuation center to assess the situation and the conditions of the affected families.
“This is not merely assistance; it is a promise to stand together in overcoming challenges. I firmly believe that with every family we aid, success in their recovery is inevitable, and through their triumphs, the foundation of our communities grows stronger,” Gatchalian asserted.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senators criticized certain members of the House of Representatives for deeming Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 “unconstitutional” due to its proposed voting method.
The House of Representatives recently introduced RBH No. 7, similar to RBH 6, except that the lower house advocates for a “joint vote” between the House and Senate.
“Those four words ‘each House voting separately’ are not in the Constitution. Our colleagues in the Senate cannot and should not insist on that language… I am not a lawyer, but that is unconstitutional,” stated House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada emphasized the importance of separate voting for the Senate and the House.
“When you say Congress, there are both Houses, there are two Houses. The House of the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Okay?” remarked Estrada.
“In joint voting, we only have 24 members. We will be outnumbered by the congressmen,” he added.
Senator Win Gatchalian also criticized the allegations made by the congressman, stating that it was not fabricated by the Senate.
“It’s not made up because it’s very clear in the first hearing (on RBH6). Justice Villanueva stated that the intention is indeed bicameral… It might not be explicitly stated, but the intention is to vote through a bicameral system. So, that’s why the Senate included it,” explained Gatchalian.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian has issued a warning to the public regarding love scams, noting that with Valentine’s Day approaching, individuals are more likely to turn to online dating.
“Individuals interested in online dating should be vigilant against unscrupulous individuals seeking to exploit them through romance or love scams,” Gatchalian cautioned.
The senator also emphasized that scammers often target both men and women, particularly those experiencing relationship difficulties or emotional vulnerability, including older individuals.
“Huwag tayong basta nagpapabihag sa iba’t ibang uri ng love scam. Kailangan nating maging mapanuri sa ating mga transaksyon lalo na kung may kinalaman ito sa pinagpaguran nating pera,” he stressed.
Gatchalian has also introduced a bill aimed at penalizing individuals who knowingly act as money mules, participate in social engineering schemes, or perpetrate other fraudulent financial activities, including love scams.
Earlier, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos also issued a similar warning to the public.
Abalos emphasized the importance of providing a platform for discussing such illegal activities to raise public awareness.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian has reiterated his call for the effective implementation of the Excellence in Teacher Education Act, Republic Act No. 11713.
“Ang Excellence in Teacher Education Act is a crucial reform aimed at elevating the quality of education and training for our teachers. To ensure the administration delivers skilled educators, the law must be implemented smoothly,” said Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.
This call comes in response to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to the Department of Education (DepEd) to enhance teaching quality, prompted by the results of the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
The Excellence in Teacher Education Act, authored and sponsored by Gatchalian during the 18th Congress, overhauls the Teacher Education Council (TEC) by strengthening coordination between the DepEd, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). This coordination ensures coherence between pre-service and in-service teacher education programs. The TEC is also mandated to set minimum requirements for teacher education programs.
While Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Duterte has committed to the full functionality of the new Teacher Education Council and Secretariat, Gatchalian emphasized the importance of implementing other provisions, such as the designation, identification, development, and establishment of Teacher Education Centers of Excellence in all regions.
Teacher Education Centers of Excellence have demonstrated and continue to maintain an outstanding track record in teacher education, producing top-caliber graduates.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian is pushing for more severe penalties to be levied against industry players found culpable of mismanaging power-related issues leading to economic losses.
“I propose that, as part of our legislative output, we align the penalty with the economic losses experienced by affected areas due to negligence and incompetence,” stated Gatchalian.
This proposal comes in the wake of a hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Energy regarding the recent power outage in Western Visayas.
“It’s not enough,” Gatchalian commented, referring to the maximum penalty of P50 million imposed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for any violation of the country’s grid code.
Gatchalian believes that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) would take these issues more seriously if stricter penalties were in place for violations.
“The situation was abnormal because there was a power supply deficiency when a power plant went offline afternoon on January 2. The demand surged, creating an imbalance in the grid. When you have a negative margin, that will undoubtedly disrupt the grid,” he explained.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian expressed openness on Thursday (11 Jan 2024) to amendments in the 1987 Constitution, particularly focusing on economic provisions.
Gatchalian stated that he has filed a resolution aiming to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution.
“I’m open to amending economic provisions. We’ve already laid it out in the past, enacting several laws to open up our economy, such as the Retail Trade Liberalization Act and the PSA,” Gatchalian remarked.
However, he emphasized that signatures allegedly obtained in exchange for money should not be considered a people’s initiative. He argued that such practices deviate from the true essence of a people’s initiative.
“What happened now, is the People’s Initiative is no longer People’s Initiative but Peso Initiative, which is contrary to the essence of People’s Initiative. It should involve people putting forward their amendments, and all of us voting to agree on those amendments,” Gatchalian asserted.
“But if you put in money, that means certain people are pushing for their agenda. And that’s not good. It will distort the very essence of amending our Constitution through a people’s initiative,” he added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian urgently calls for swift action to enhance reading proficiency as students return to school.
Gatchalian cited that a nationwide reading program will be implemented starting January 12 this year in all public schools as part of the government’s initiatives to improve the literacy skills of basic education students.
“Sa pag-angat natin sa kalidad ng edukasyon sa bansa, kailangang tutukan at bigyan ng prayoridad ang mga programang hahasa sa kakayahan ng ating mga mag-aaral pagdating sa pagbabasa,” said Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.
The senator emphasized the urgency of addressing students’ reading skills as highlighted in the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
Gatchalian has been pushing for measures to strengthen reading programs and learning recovery interventions.
One of these is the ARAL Program Act (Senate Bill No. 1604), which seeks to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It aims to cover the essential learning competencies under Language and Mathematics for Grades 1 to 10, and Science for Grades 3 to 10.
For kindergarten learners, the program shall focus on strengthening literacy and numeracy.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian has confirmed the allocation of a total of P210 million for mental health programs and advocacies under the Department of Education (DepEd) in the 2024 national budget.
“It is crucial for us to focus on strengthening and effectively implementing the programs in our schools for mental health. Therefore, we ensure that under the 2024 budget, funds will be earmarked for DepEd’s mental health programs to support our students,” stated Gatchalian.
Originally proposing P160 million, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education aimed to address the mental health crisis affecting the nation’s schools. According to DepEd data, between School Year (SY) 2017-2018 and SY 2022-2023, 1,686 learners died by suicide, with 7,892 learners attempting suicide.
International large-scale assessments have highlighted the high prevalence of bullying in the country’s schools.
Gatchalian has been a proponent of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (Senate Bill No. 2200) to institutionalize the School-Based Mental Health Program.
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — As the New Year festivities come near, Senator Win Gatchalian reiterated his call for a ban on the sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers.
“While significant reductions in the number of fireworks-related injuries have happened over the years due to greater government regulation, it would be ideal to further reduce, if not eliminate, fireworks-related injuries by prohibiting any person or business establishment to manufacture, sell, discharge firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices except for authorized fireworks displays,” Gatchalian said.
“As much as we want to enjoy the holiday festivities, it remains crucial to ensure our celebrations are conducted with utmost safety and well-being in mind,” he emphasized.
The senator emphasized Senate Bill 1144, which would amend Republic Act 7183, also known as An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices, if it were to become law.
The bill will be known as the Firecrackers Prohibition Act.
“The public should be mindful of the psychological trauma and anxiety disorders that they may experience due to firecracker-related explosions,” Gatchalian said, also noting the impact of firecrackers on pets.
“Taon-taon na lang, hindi nawawala ang mga nabibiktima ng mga paputok. Taon-taon na lang, nananawagan tayo na maraming ibang paraan ang pwedeng gawin para ipagdiwang ang Bagong taon nang masaya at maingay, hindi lang sa pamamagitan ng mga paputok,” he said.
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian reassured his girlfriend, Bianca Manalo, that no false information would come between them amidst the controversy surrounding her connection to actor Rob Gomez.
Rob Gomez is known for A Girl and a Guy (2021), Lovers/Liars (2023), and Mano po Legacy: The Family Fortune (2022), films.
The senator posted a picture frame containing snapshots of himself and Bianca, a thoughtful Christmas gift from Senator Sonny Angara and his wife, Tootsy.
“What a beautiful Christmas gift from @tootsyangara and @sonnyangara,” Gatchalian expressed.
He continued, “@biancamanalo and I uphold the same values and principles in life. No fabricated news will ever drive a wedge between us,” the senator added.
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian has introduced a bill aimed at modernizing the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in light of ongoing tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea.
Gatchalian emphasized the pivotal role of the PCG in ensuring maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and effective response to search, rescue, and disasters.
“Given the various maritime challenges our country faces, from disasters like oil spills and ship collisions to persistent issues in the West Philippine Sea, it is crucial to continually upgrade and strengthen the PCG’s capabilities for effective response,” Gatchalian stated.
Senate Bill No. 2516, also known as the PCG Modernization Act, outlines a program to enhance the PCG’s assets and facilities, reinforce its capabilities, and ensure the effective implementation of its mandate under Republic Act 9993, the Philippine Coast Guard Law.
The proposed legislation further includes the establishment of the PCG Modernization Trust Fund, initially allocated P1 billion.
(AI/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian is promoting programs for the protection and well-being of students, following the latest results of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).
This study revealed that bullying remains a problem, especially among boys and in public schools.
“Alam naman natin na ang bullying ay nagdudulot ng mababang self-esteem, kawalan ng kumpiyansa, at kahirapan sa pag-focus sa pag-aaral ng mga biktima nito. Maaari ring maapektuhan ang kanilang emosyonal na kalagayan, na pwedeng magresulta sa pagbaba ng interes sa pag-aaral,” Gatchalian said.
The 2022 triennial assessment of 15-year-old learners conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) unveiled that one in three Filipino students reported experiencing bullying at school at least once a week.
The percentage of learners who reported experiencing the most common forms of bullying dropped by double digits. From 50% in 2018, the percentage of learners who reported that other students made fun of them dropped by more than half to 28 percent.
In February this year, Gatchalian led a Senate inquiry on implementing the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.
He urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to improve mechanisms for reporting because of the discrepancies in the agency’s data and the results of international large-scale assessments.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian on Monday (27 Nov 2023) announced that the proposed 2024 national budget will compel the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to formulate training regulations for child development workers (CDWs).
The Senate Committee on Finance has included Gatchalian’s proposal in its committee report on the General Appropriations Bill, aiming to prioritize the upskilling of CDWs.
According to Gatchalian’s suggested special provision, the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council and TESDA will collaborate to prioritize the establishment of a training framework leading to ECCD qualification. This regulation will be applicable to both existing and future CDWs.
Research conducted by the senator’s office revealed that 16%, or 11,196 individuals, among the total pool of CDWs, are high school graduates.
Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, remarked, “TESDA came up with a training regulation for barangay health workers. The same principle applies to our child development workers, our current daycare teachers.”
“The training regulation and certification will elevate their skills, enabling them to perform their jobs more effectively and demonstrating their essential training,” he added.
(ai/mnm)