Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has vowed to push through a bill that will accelerate the installation of a reliable internet connection in all public schools.

The Satellite-Based Technologies for Internet Connectivity Act of 2021 intends to increase access to satellite-based technologies as a means of ensuring universal internet access.

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Organizations from many sectors will be permitted to own and operate satellite-based technologies under Gatchalian's proposal.

These include government organizations, public and non-profit private institutions and volunteer organizations engaged in education, health, finance, agriculture, environmental management, climate change management, disaster preparedness and crisis response.
“Patuloy nating isusulong ang pagkakaroon ng internet sa bawat pampublikong paaralan. Titiyakin din nating handa anga ating mga guro at mga mag-aaral sa mas malawakang paggamit ng teknolohiya pagdating sa pag-aaral at pagtuturo,” the senator said.

Gatchalian is also considering introducing a bill to speed up the digital transformation of basic education.

This aims to improve the Department of Education's information and communications technology capability, digitally streamline and integrate its workflow and procedures, and improve its capacity to deliver high-quality education.

The senator emphasized that developed and developing countries have relied on satellite-based internet technology to provide internet services especially in areas where it is more expensive to roll out wired or mobile networks.

“Naniniwala akong kahit na matapos na ang pandemya, magiging bahagi na ng new normal ang blended learning, kaya naman dapat palawigin natin ang paggamit ng internet upang makapaghatid ng dekalidad na edukasyon,” the chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture said.


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