As the country's basic education system transitions to the new normal, Senator Win Gatchalian eyes increased support to parents and guardians as they take on increased roles in the continuity of learning amid the threat of COVID-19.

Senator Win Gatchalian hailed President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing of the “GMRC and Values Education Act,” which will institutionalize the teaching of both Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education in the K to 12 curriculum.

Though the Department of Education (DepEd) is postponing face-to-face classes until a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, Senator Win Gatchalian is urging the department to fast-track the installation of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities (WASH) in public elementary and secondary schools where they are not yet available.

While the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) is projecting a spike in unplanned pregnancies amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Win Gatchalian is warning that a spike in teenage pregnancies could be part of this population surge, citing similar trends in the Philippines and other countries when emergencies and natural calamities occur.

Senator Win Gatchalian is eyeing the installation of a cell site in every DepEd school in the country to provide internet access to all of the country’s 42,046 barangays.

Senator Win Gatchalian has warned that marginalized learners will bear the brunt of the P8.4-billion budget cut to the Department of Education (DepEd) and its attached agencies as the government pools funds to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the affected programs support vulnerable learners, Gatchalian said the budget cuts would increase the number of dropouts.

Senator Win Gatchalian urged private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to defer their tuition hike petitions while most families have been struggling with financial woes since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country.

The education system is entering the ‘new normal’ with stronger support for Filipino athletes. Senator Win Gatchalian hailed President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) Act that will finally institutionalize financial, infrastructural, and policy support for aspiring Filipino athletes.

Senator Win Gatchalian is pushing for the acceleration of the Department of Education (DepEd)'s digital transformation as the education sector enters the 'new normal' in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.