Senator Win Gatchalian is intensifying his call for a strategic overhaul of the Special Education Fund (SEF), urging for a policy shift that would allow local government units (LGUs) more autonomy in addressing the specific needs of their educational sectors.
By broadening the scope of the SEF, Gatchalian believes that local leaders can more effectively bridge resource gaps and modernize classrooms.
In a recent statement, the senator highlighted the potential impact on local academic standards:
“Kung mapapalawak natin ang paggamit ng SEF, matutulungan natin ang mga LGUs na i-angat ang kalidad ng edukasyon sa kanilang mga lugar.”
The senator’s push coincides with the Department of Education’s ongoing initiatives to optimize fund allocations for school infrastructure and instructional tools.
Central to Gatchalian’s proposal is the 21st Century School Boards Act, a legislative measure designed to lift current restrictions on how these funds are dispersed.
Under the proposed bill, the SEF would no longer be limited to physical facilities. Key provisions include:
- Personnel Support: Authorizing the fund to cover salaries for both teaching and non-teaching staff, specifically including child development workers who currently lack sufficient coverage.
- Technological Modernization: Allowing investments in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and updated library resources to keep pace with digital learning trends.
- Performance Incentives: Providing legal mechanisms for honoraria and allowances for educators and staff who perform duties beyond their standard working hours.
Originally filed in July 2025, the bill is currently pending in the Senate. Gatchalian continues to champion the measure as a vital reform that empowers local governments to take a more active, well-funded role in delivering high-quality education across the country.