SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian was conferred on Friday an honorary degree of Doctor of Education, honoris causa from the Philippine Normal University.

The degree was given in recognition of Gatchalian’s role in the enactment of several landmark laws like the Excellence in Teacher Act or Republic Act 11713, which seeks to improve the quality of teacher education and training in the country.

The PNU cited the passage of the bill Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act or Republic Act 11650, and the GMRC and Values Education law or Republic Act 11476, where the university served as a consultant and resource institution.

Gatchalian thanked the university for recognizing his advocacies.

“Malaking karangalan ang pagkilalang ito sa ating mga adbokasiya. Nagpapasalamat ako sa PNU dahil naging katuwang natin sila sa pagsulong ng mga batas para sa abot-kaya at dekalidad na edukasyon para sa lahat,” the senator said.

“Patuloy nating isusulong ang mga reporma upang maiangat ang kalidad ng edukasyon sa ating bansa,” he added.

Gatchalian laid out some of his priority measures as chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education in the 19th Congress.

These include the ARAL Program Act or Senate Bill 1604, which seeks to institute a nationwide learning recovery program that will address learning loss resulting from Covid19 school closures, the Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act or Senate Bill 379 and the Teacher Salary Increase Act or Senate Bill 149.