Ten days before the commemoration of 2021 Rizal Day, the Department of Education (DepEd) reminded learners to appreciate and emulate the traits and ideas of National Hero Jose Rizal for the country.
“For our part, we should develop within ourselves the same fervor Rizal had instilled in us," Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in a statement issued Monday, Dec. 20.
"The love for country at an early age was inspirational. We should inculcate his values of discipline, organization, and common sense to young generations of Filipinos,” she added.
During the virtual 2021 National Students’ Day last month, Briones also highlighted the learners’ resiliency in addressing challenges and adopting the new normal in education amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“School closures and movement restrictions are disrupting students’ routines and support systems," Briones said.
"These led them to navigate the new normal and the youth have emerged to find hope and ways to become heroes of the pandemic in terms of educating people, tackling misinformation and stigma, and lifting the spirits of the leaders and letting their voices be heard,” she added.
Spearheaded by the Bureau of Learner Support Services – Youth Formation Division and DepEd Bicol Region, the event also featured the “Stories of Passion and Advocacy” of the different youth leaders who excelled in their respective fields.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del B. Pascua commended the Filipino leaners. “All your efforts and hard works inspire us in the Department of Education to continue doing our best in providing you the kind of education you need and deserve to succeed in life," he added.
Given this, Pascua said that the DepEd, through our various platforms, programs, and initiatives, "we will continue to advocate for student empowerment, inculcating the values of nationhood, and social responsibility to all learners nationwide."
During the event, youth Advocate Emmanuel Mirus Ponon, Miss Philippines Earth-Air 2020 Patrixia Sherly Santos, and Gawad Siklab 2021 Most Outstanding SSG Teacher-Adviser Saturnino Macasinag, Jr. shared their success stories during the pandemic.
An interactive activity called “Youth Tambayan Session,” led by learners from different parts of the country, including Clifford James Danduan from Davao City, Humphrey Soriano from Quezon City, Paula Dennise Catalla from Quezon, and Sofia Vera Aloba from Mandaue City was also conducted.
The said activity also officially introduced the Philippine delegates for the STEP Sunburst Youth Camp 2021, including John Edward Eugenio from Caloocan City, Kayla Vallester from Quezon Province, Llyrah Gwen Villones from Negros Oriental, and Reighn Claire Ochosa from Muntinlupa City.