Outgoing Education Secretary Leonor Briones expressed optimism that the programs which started and were implemented under her term will continue once Vice President-elect Sara Duterte sits as the chief of the Department of Education (DepEd).
“Iyong wish, kung may wishes tayo, (Our wish is) of course, is continuity of programs which have worked out,” Briones said during the Laging Handa public briefing on Monday, May 30.
Briones said that she and the VP-elect have had an exchange of texts and letters. They have also set June 20 and 30 for the transition period.
Based on their initial agreement, Briones said that she and Duterte will have their respective transition teams.
“Pero kailangan ding mag-one-on-one kaming dalawa ni VP Sara, ni incoming Secretary Sara, para ma-brief din siya sa mga iba’t ibang challenges at issues na hinaharap ng DepEd (But we still need to have a one-on-one so she will be briefed on the various challenges and issues faced by DepEd),” Briones said.
Briones added that the outgoing DepEd leadership is preparing for a smooth transition before Duterte assumes her post in July. For instance, she noted that a transition report and a medium-term plan are also in the works.
“So, we are looking forward to a smooth transition,” Briones said. “We are looking forward, hopefully, with great hopes for continuity of the programs that are working very well,” she added.
In a statement issued May 11, Briones welcomed the announcement by President-elect Bongbong Marcos that incoming VP-elect Sara Duterte will concurrently serve as DepEd Secretary.
“I and the DepEd family are ready to work with her team for the orderly transition of DepEd leadership,” she said.
DepEd, Briones said, will turn over the Basic Education Plan 2030 -- the first time that an outgoing administration will leave behind a medium-term plan.
“We are confident that DepEd will be in able hands and anticipate a continuity,” she added.