SENATOR  Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the local government of Nueva Vizcaya to act swiftly to protect students who risk their lives daily crossing steel cables to get to school.

“I am urging the DPWH and the local government unit in Nueva Vizcaya to urgently address the plight of learners crossing steel cables to go to school. Huwag na nating hintaying may mag-aaral na mapahamak. Hindi dapat nagbubuwis ang ating mga mag-aaral ng kanilang mga buhay para lamang makarating sa kanilang mga paaralan,” Gatchalian stressed.

The senator emphasized that no child should endanger their life just to pursue an education, adding that government agencies must act urgently to provide safe and accessible infrastructure.

As Congress begins deliberations on the 2026 national budget, Gatchalian vowed to push for measures to strengthen the safety of school facilities nationwide.

“We will also look at how we can boost the safety of our school infrastructure. We will pursue multiple solutions to address our need for safe and adequate school facilities,” he said.

His call comes amid growing concerns over the state of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure students rely on, particularly in remote and rural areas.