By Lane Afable, News Editor
Senator Win Gatchalian yesterday aired that amendments to the Local Government Code should also strengthen the role of LGUs in improving the quality of education in the Philippines.
This as President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. announced that his administration is pursuing measures to amend the Local Government Code to enhance the fiscal capacity of local government units.
“Sa pag-amyenda natin sa Local Government Code, mahalagang paigtingin na rin natin ang papel ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa paghahatid at pag-angat ng kalidad ng edukasyon,” said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.
Under the 20th Congress, Gatchalian refiled the 21st Century School Boards Act (Senate Bill No. 53) to expand the membership of Local School Boards, increase the board’s functions, and broaden the utilization of the Special Education Fund (SEF).
Under the measure, Local School Boards shall formulate policies aimed at improving the delivery and overall quality of education in their respective areas. Performance would be assessed through indicators such as student participation rates, dropout and out-of-school youth figures, achievement scores, and the establishment of child development centers, among others.
Gatchalian’s proposal also seeks to allow the use of the SEF for the salaries of teachers and non-teaching personnel, as well as honoraria and allowances for services rendered beyond regular school hours, among others.
