President Duterte assured the public that the government is working to expedite the vaccination program against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) so children can safely return to their schools for their education.
(JANSEN ROMERO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Duterte made the statement as he led the simultaneous inauguration of two school buildings at the Gen. Gregorio H. Del Pilar Integrated School and Virginia Ramirez-Cruz High School in Barangay Sta. Ana in Bulakan, Bulacan.
In his speech, Duterte said that the government is zeroing in on the vaccination program so that in-person classes can resume without fear of children and their parents, teachers and school personnel getting infected by COVID-19.
"I assure you that the government is exerting all efforts to go full throttle in this COVID-19 vaccination program to ensure the safety of students before the resumption of the face-to face-learning," he said Thursday afternoon.
The President commended education stakeholders, particularly those in Bulacan, for their patience as the government addresses the effects of the pandemic.
"I truly appreciate the patience, understanding of the learners, parents, and teachers in your locality," Duterte said.
Duterte has thumbed down the resumption of face-to-face classes in fear that children might die due to COVID-19.
In his speech, the President likewise commended the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the different local government units (LGUs) for the successful planning and construction of the new school buildings.
"Your collective efforts in this project have been crucial in creating a more conducive, inclusive, and resident-learning environment for students of Bulacan," he said.
"Our investment in education infrastructure affirms our continuing commitment to promote the right of the people to quality and accessible education at all levels," he added.
President Duterte reiterated his order to government agencies to complete government structure projects on time while ensuring that the public will not be inconvenienced during the construction.
He likewise advised them to steer clear from corruption.
"I am directing all concerned agencies to ensure the least inconvenience to the public during construction, for ensuring strict adherence to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and prevent corruption," he said.
Meanwhile, President Duterte hoped that the newly built classrooms will provide a more conducive learning environment even as the country copes with the new normal.
"A good education is a valuable gift we can proudly pass on to succeeding generations of Filipinos. Let us join hands in developing the full potential of your youth as bearers of our nation’s sustainable future," he said.