Sara Duterte asks for support, wants ‘stronger, better’ education sector

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday asked for support from education stakeholders, stressing the need to ensure the sector would be “stronger and better” amid the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I ask for your indulgence as I also expect your support as we study and explore the appropriate measures to resolve issues and concerns that may adversely impact the education sector,” Duterte said in a virtual meeting with the Private Educational Associations on Monday.

“Our task here is clear: it is to protect our children and ensure that quality education is made accessible for them, whether they are enrolled in private or public schools, whether they are in the cities or the countryside,” she said.

Likewise, Duterte said the government should provide assistance to private schools, adding students’ shift to public schools has “put [an] enormous strain” on the government institutions.

“Some private schools are facing closure. And a number have in fact already shut down,” she said.

“As a community, there is an urgent need to build back, and build back stronger and better. The migration of students from private to public schools has put enormous strain on our public schools,” she added.

Duterte was formally named the new secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) at a turnover ceremony today.

In her speech, outgoing DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones presented before Duterte-Carpio the agency’s milestones under her leadership including empowering regional offices and providing quality education to far-flung areas.

She also thanked the Vice President for expressing support for DepEd’s existing programs such as the Last Mile Program and Education Futures Program.

“We’re turning over to our beloved secretary of DepEd, VP Sara, an organization which has persevered in spite of and because of COVID-19,” said Briones.

“An organization which developed new initiatives, new ways…we’re turning over to you, not an institution that is a cause of embarrassment. We’re turning over to you an institution which has persevered, survived and I am very sure will help create a great future for our learners,” she added. — BM, GMA News