Senator Sherwin Gatchalian during a special session in the Senate. (Henzberg Austria/Senate PRIB file) Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, said in a statement that “it is crucial to equip learners with strong foundational skills that would boost innovation,” which he said is important in boosting economic recovery and building resilience against future health threats like the COVID-19 pandemic. He cited the results of the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) showing that among Grade 4 learners who were assessed, only 19 percent had some basic mathematical knowledge, while 13 percent showed limited understanding and knowledge of scientific concepts and foundational science facts.