In the Duterte Cabinet dominated by men including former military officials, Education Secretary Leonor Briones stands out.
Briones, 80, is a well-esteemed academician, economist and public servant. Appointed to head the Department of Education, she leads the department with a sharp mind, humor, and vigor despite her age.
No less than President Duterte is all praises for the competence of the woman Cabinet official. The President has taken pride in Briones’ competence, calling her “brilliant” when he attended the inauguration of a school building in Valenzuela City Thursday, March 4.
“Nandiyan si Secretary Briones. She’s maybe old but she is a brilliant,” the President said in his remarks.
The President is also impressed with Briones’ academic and professional competency. Briones, a professor of the University of the Philippines, previously served as Treasurer of the Philippines.
“Well, she is a professor of UP. Maybe summa ka ba, ma’am?” Duterte asked the widely revered Cabinet member.
“She was our national treasurer. So alam niya ang pera talaga gaano kahirap kunin (So she knows how the funds are hard to get),” he added.
The President's latest compliment for Briones came as the country marked National Women's Month. Duterte earlier committed to pursue programs to advance woman empowerment.
Before being appointed as education secretary, Briones was chair of the Silliman University Board of Trustees, and regent and chair-designate of the Universidad de Manila.
Briones graduated magna cum laude from Siliman University with a business administration degree. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of the Philippines.
Briones obtained a postgraduate diploma in development administration, major in public enterprises, with distinction from Leeds University England.