SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian wants local government units to be more involved in improving the delivery and quality of basic education.

The senator cited the crucial role that local governments played to ensure learning continuity amid the Covid19 pandemic, noting that the proximity of local governments to their constituencies allows them to be more responsive and flexible when it comes to their needs.

“Nakita natin nitong panahon ng pandemya kung gaano kahalaga ang papel ng mga lokal na pamahalaan upang matiyak ang pagpapatuloy ng edukasyon, lalo na’t mas nauunawaan nila ang pangangailangan ng mga mag-aaral at mga guro sa kanilang mga nasasakupan,” Gatchalian said.

He said that incoming Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio can mobilize local governments to increase their involvement in education.

The senator is convinced that the Vice President-elect has the political capital to effectively implement reforms that will address the education crisis.

“Sa pagpasok ng bagong administrasyon, kailangang palawigin din natin ang papel ng lokal na pamahalaan at gawin silang katuwang sa pag-angat sa kalidad ng edukasyon,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian has filed Senate Bill 1579 or the 21st Century School Boards Act.

Under the measure, local school boards will be mandated to formulate and implement reforms and policies to improve the quality of education.

The success of these programs will be measured based on indicators such as the participation rate of students, the number of dropouts and out-of-school youth, achievement scores in national tests, assessment tools, and other standardized test scores, among others.

The establishment of child development centers, support to special education and Alternative Learning System are also included in the success metrics of these programs.