SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has endorsed to the plenary 20 bills that seek to rename, convert and establish schools in various localities in the country.

These include two bills that will rename high schools, 10 bills converting extension or annex schools to independent schools and five bills establishing national high schools.

“Considering the needs of our fellow countrymen for accessible quality education and in view of these proposed measures compliance with relevant Department of Education issuance, I humbly seek the support of this esteemed body for the immediate passage of these measures,” the chairman of the Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture Chairman  said.

House Bills 7769 and 7998 seek to rename the San Manuel High School in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan and Paracelis National High School in Paracelis, Mountain Province.

“Through these proposed measures, we will be recognizing how these schools played a part in providing spaces for shared learning experiences and driving growth within their respective communities,” Gatchalian said in his sponsorship speech.

The senator also sponsored House Bills 7997 and 8132 that aim to convert Labason Central School in Zamboanga del Norte and Sisigon Elementary School in Sorsogon into integrated schools.

House Bill 8237 pushes the conversion of Siocon National High School, also in Zamboanga del Norte, into a science high school.

Gatchalian likewise endorsed House Bills 4954, 4955, 5328, 7933 and 8238, that seek to build schools in Barangays Maganhan and Punta in the City of Baybay in Leyte; Barangay Talogoy in Malita, Davao Occidental; Barangay Talipapa in Quezon City and Barangay Marcos in Santa, Ilocos Sur.

The lawmaker said establishing these schools would spare learners and their families from the costs and hazards of traveling several kilometers to reach the nearest school.

At the same time, the committee endorsed to the plenary House Bills 5363, 5364, 5365, 5367, 7992, 7994, 7995, 7996, 8239 and 8240 that aim to separate extension or annex schools to become independent schools.