Recognizing their efforts in making sure that learning delivery will continue even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Vice President Leni Robredo thanked teachers nationwide and expressed willingness to work with various regional offices of the Department of Education (DepEd) to address concerns on distance learning this school year.

In an interview with Radyo Turo-Guro on Friday, Oct. 23, Robredo extended her gratitude to the teachers for making the learning continuity possible for millions of Filipino learners amid challenges. “I want to extend my message of gratitude to them for all the efforts they put in for our children and for all the Filipino people,” she said in a mix of English and Pilipino.

Amid the challenges in the new ways of learning and teaching, Robredo assured that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) will be willing to extend help to those who will need it. “We want to give the assurance that our office is just here, we’re willing to help in whatever way we can. Just inform us and we can partner with the regional and provincial offices of DepEd,” she added.

Robredo also recognized the challenges faced by teachers during this time. “While there are hardships, we might be able to create new ways of educating our children,” she added.

Before becoming VP, Robredo was also a teacher for 10 years. “I know the day-to-day burden, the meetings, the paperwork that we need to submit and how these drain our creative juices,” she said.

Despite these difficulties, Robredo urged teachers “to be open” on new things. “I would also like to challenge all of you to use this opportunity to be even more creative in what you’re doing already,” she ended.