SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian vowed to push the passage of a bill that will accelerate the installation of reliable internet connection in all public schools.

The Satellite-Based Technologies for Internet Connectivity Act of 2021 aims to expand access to satellite-based technologies as an alternative solution to ensure universal access to the internet.

Under Gatchalian’s measure, organizations from different sectors will be allowed to own and operate satellite-based technology.

These include government organizations, public and non-profit private institutions and volunteer organizations engaged in education, health, finance, agriculture, environmental management, climate change management, disaster preparedness and crisis response.

“Patuloy nating isusulong ang pagkakaroon ng internet sa bawat pampublikong paaralan. Titiyakin din nating handa ang ating mga guro at mga mag-aaral sa mas malawakang paggamit ng teknolohiya pagdating sa pag-aaral at pagtuturo,” the senator said.

Gatchalian is also considering filing a bill that will accelerate digital transformation in the basic education sector.

This is to enhance the information and communications technology capacity of the Department of Education, digitally streamline and integrate its workflow and processes, and enhance its capacity to deliver quality education.

The senator emphasized that developed and developing countries have relied on satellite-based internet technology to provide internet services especially in areas where it is more expensive to roll out wired or mobile networks.

“Naniniwala akong kahit na matapos na ang pandemya, magiging bahagi na ng new normal ang blended learning, kaya naman dapat palawigin natin ang paggamit ng internet upang makapaghatid ng dekalidad na edukasyon,” the chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture said.