SENATE Committee on Basic Education Chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for swift and coordinated efforts in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to upgrade basic education services nationwide—emphasizing that quality learning goes beyond the mere construction of classrooms.

“In delivering education, classrooms are not enough. We must also ensure access to electricity, clean water, and internet connectivity for the safety, comfort, and effective learning of our students,” said Gatchalian.

“We must also prioritize nutrition, which plays a crucial role in children’s ability to learn,” he added.

Gatchalian repeated his call for accelerated improvements in school infrastructure and services.

He urged the government to explore public-private partnerships and implement a cost-sharing scheme between the national and local governments to build and upgrade school facilities.

“If we continue with a business-as-usual approach, the education crisis will persist,” he warned.

The senator’s renewed call comes as the administration steps up efforts to address long-standing education sector issues, including classroom shortages, lack of basic utilities in schools, and poor student performance in national and international assessments.

Gatchalian has long championed a whole-of-government approach to education reform, saying systemic solutions are necessary to address deep-rooted challenges affecting learners across the country.