The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed continued committed to address the concerns and challenges faced by learners when it comes to education.
"All of you have to work on these problems with the help of course of your teachers, professional groups, your parents, and of faith groups,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said in a statement issued Tuesday, Dec. 14.
“Everyone has problems, and you have to face them, and we will do everything we can to help you,” she added.
During the Student Parliamentarians’ Virtual Town Hall Meeting held via Microsoft Teams early this month, Briones also met with student-leaders from various parts of the country.
The student-leaders were asked to submit proposals on how to further strengthen education initiatives. During the meeting, Briones assured them student-leaders that DepEd will “prioritize their proposals and suggestions” in addressing education sector challenges.
Briones noted that she would forward the suggestions of the student parliamentarians to the concerned DepEd offices for their consideration in crafting policies and interventions for learners' benefits.
“Itong resolusyon na ito ay i-pass on ko sa ating School Health Division, which work very closely with the Department of Health. Sang-ayon ako right now (I will pass this resolution on to our School Health Division, which works very closely with the Department of Health. I agree right now ),” Briones said.
“Maraming mga programa ngayon ang ini-initiate ng Department of Education (DepEd) kung saan tinutulungan ang teachers ang kabataan (Many programs are now being initiated by the Department of Education (DepEd) which helps teachers the youth ,” Briones added.
Through the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration (OUA), the Bureau of Learner Support Services - Youth Formation Division spearheaded the National Student Parliament 2021 through OUA Memo 00-1121-0005.
With the theme “Batas, Hustisya, at Karangalan: Kabataang Pilipino, may Makabayang Paninindigan Gamit ang Puso, Galing, at Talino,” the virtual forum also became the platform of learners to present the Committees’ other Educational Policy and Legislation Proposals.
The said program, DepEd said, also served as an “open and participatory platform for learners to share, collaborate, and identify critical gaps in current practices and policies in education.”
During the program, Briones also accommodated numerous queries from the student leaders to further emphasize the initiatives and interventions of the DepEd in assisting the learners and teachers.
“Gusto ko lang i-emphasize na ang edukasyon ay responsibilidad ng buong komunidad. Department of Education and Health are specifically mandated to provide certain services (I just want to emphasize that education is the responsibility of the whole community. Department of Education and Health are specifically mandated to provide certain services ,” Briones said.
Meanwhile, the student participants also raised various concerns of the Filipino Youth to ensure that the DepEd adequately safeguards their welfare and rights.