Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones thanked Saturday, July 10, the parents and teachers for their dedication in molding the country’s graduating batch of “nation builders.”
The 80-year-old Department of Education (DepEd) chief extended her felicitations to the graduating learners, faculty, school officials and staff for their graduation and moving-up ceremonies for School Year (SY) 2020-2021.
"Let this ceremony be a reminder that we can overcome anything through our concerted efforts. And with DepEd supporting you in every way possible, we will be able to respond to every challenge, especially in the basic education sector,” she said in her message for graduation and moving up ceremonies for SY 2020-2021 posted on DepEd’s Facebook page on Saturday.
"For our parents and teachers, we are greatly indebted to the dedication that you have given to your children during this crisis. Truly, your efforts have come to fruition as we celebrate this momentous day,” she added.
Briones said she felt honored to be part of the accomplishments and milestones of this year’s graduating batch.
“Despite being tested in an extraordinary time, our learners persevered and made valuable gains for their future,” she said.
“While this historic season gave unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic, I am confident that this new breed of Filipino nation-builders – one that has experienced unusual obstacles – will be vital in moving the country for the years to come.”
She urged the graduating students to emulate the country’s heroes who “faced many challenges without hesitation and fear to seek truth and freedom through education, and like those today who continue to go great lengths to assiduously provide support for our education, they stand firm in Jose Rizal’s words, “Without education and liberty, which are the soil and the sun of man, no reform is possible, no measure can give the result desired.””
Briones took the opportunity to call on concerned stakeholders to join DepEd in seeking “growth and opportunities for a safer, healthier, and kinder place to nurture our future leaders and nation-builders.”
Committed to protect the health and welfare of learners, teachers, personnel, and parents, Deped announced late May that it is not allowing any face-to-face graduation and moving up rites for SY 2020-2021 scheduled from July 12 to 16, 2021.
DepEd marked the last day of school in public schools on Friday, July 9.
Based on the adjusted school calendar of DepEd for SY 2020-2021, the last day of classes is on July 10.
DepEd opened a new school year on Oct. 5, 2020 amid the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the first time, over 26 million students in both public and private schools at the basic education level continued their education at home through multiple learning delivery modalities.