FOLLOWING the opening of School Year 2026–2027, Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian renewed his call for stronger private sector participation in public education, saying that greater collaboration between government and businesses could help address long-standing challenges in the country’s education system.

Gatchalian reiterated his proposal through the proposed Adopt-A-School Act of 2025 or Senate Bill No. 54, which seeks to provide additional incentives for private entities and individuals supporting educational institutions across various levels, including early childhood education, basic education, technical-vocational education and training, higher education, and the Alternative Learning System.

Under the measure, both local and foreign individuals or organizations in good standing may contribute to educational programs and projects aimed at improving learning conditions and expanding access to quality education.

The bill prioritizes assistance to fourth- and fifth-class local government units, as well as areas facing severe resource shortages, limited budgets, or a high number of economically disadvantaged yet academically high-performing learners.

Private sector partners may provide support through teacher training programs, construction and upgrading of school facilities, improvement of instructional materials, and other educational initiatives designed to strengthen learning outcomes.

To encourage greater participation, the proposed legislation offers several incentives to adopting individuals and entities. These include a 50-percent additional tax deduction on qualified expenses, a 20-percent additional deduction for hiring senior high school graduates, naming rights for supported projects, and exemptions from import duties and taxes on eligible donations.

Gatchalian emphasized that stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors could accelerate efforts to improve educational opportunities for Filipino students.

“Kapag nagtutulungan ang pamahalaan at pribadong sektor, mas mabilis nating maibibigay sa bawat bata ang oportunidad na makatanggap ng dekalidad na edukasyon,” Gatchalian said.

The senator has consistently advocated reforms aimed at addressing gaps in school infrastructure, teacher support, and learning resources, particularly in underserved communities, as the country continues efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of education.