A landmark energy legislation that will increase the country’s supply of natural gas from liquefied natural gas (LNG) sources and avert possible energy security crisis from happening when operations of the Malampaya gas field project close for good in the near future has been placed for floor debates in the Senate.

Amidst the nationwide celebration of the first ‘National Higher Education Day,’ Senator Win Gatchalian raised again the need to improve the implementation of the ‘Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act’ (Republic Act 10931) or the Free Tuition Law which will ensure continued education for 1.3 million students.

While access to learning remains a challenge for learners and teachers with disabilities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Win Gatchalian is seeking an inquiry on the status of using the Filipino Sign Language (FSL) as the language of instruction of deaf education under the K to 12 basic education system.

To help boost public confidence on the resumption of face-to-face classes in low-risk areas, Senator Win Gatchalian said it is crucial to contain the spread of COVID-19 and inoculate more people against the virus.

Senator Win Gatchalian urged the government to devise ways of providing employment opportunities to millions of Filipinos unemployed, many of whom have been displaced by the imposition of strict quarantine regulations, and pursue retooling programs to prepare them for the job market of the new normal.

To help spur the country’s recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and help address jobs-education mismatch, Senator Win Gatchalian is urging the government to improve the implementation of skilling and training programs to prepare the youth in meeting industry standards.

While world leaders continue to debate whether there should be a suspension of intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, Senator Win Gatchalian urged the government to be one step ahead – explore the possibility of the country having the capacity to produce its own vaccine.

Senator Win Gatchalian hailed the proposed establishment of the National Center for AI Research (N-CAIR) under the recently launched artificial intelligence (AI) roadmap.

As employees in a work-from-home (WFH) and hybrid work arrangement are likely to be in it for the long haul, Senator Win Gatchalian said it comes with a lot of costs that workers are now facing such as lack of logistical assistance, internet and utility expenses and their mental wellbeing.