Vice President Sara Duterte has cited the education sector’s resiliency and determination to ensure academic continuity with high-quality learning amid the ill-effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on young Filipino learners.
In her speech during the commencement exercises of the Emilio Aguinaldo College in Cavite on Thursday, July 7, she recognized the Covid-19 impact on Philippine education.
But the pandemic, Duterte said, was “no match” to the government’s commitment in ensuring educational continuity and quality in these trying times.
“The pandemic was no match for the collective resolve of the Philippine government and all education stakeholders in our country, who ensured that Filipino learners continue to have access to education,” the Vice President said.
“You — the graduates, the parents, the school, the Emilio Aguinaldo College community — you embody Filipino resiliency and the indomitable will to overcome difficult times,” she added.
Duterte, who sits as Education secretary in a concurrent capacity, reminded the new graduates of the importance of being resilient in dealing with the hard facets of life.
She shared her personal experience studying at the De La Salle University in Dasmariñas City where she struggled living alone.
“Life will never be easy. Pero when faced with a problem, you sit down and think about the options and the solutions. Never give up,” Duterte said.
The 44-year old official spoke to 400 graduates of the EAC Cavite during its 49th commencement exercise. This is the first batch who graduated from its senior high school program.
Duterte praised them for taking on the challenge of attending high school during a pandemic.
READ: As DepEd Chief, VP Sara vows to find more ways to ‘improve’ PH basic education
“Hard work brought you here today, and hard work tags along with incredible opportunities that will bring pride and glory to you, your family, and your communities,” she said.
In her speech, the Vice President told the graduates to “serve, protect, and love our motherland.”
“As you move forward to reach the goals you have charted for yourselves, may you constantly be reminded that as citizens, you have a duty to our country — to serve, protect, and love our motherland,” she said.
Noting the college is named after former president Emilio Aguinaldo, Duterte said she hopes that the graduates will reflect on the acts of heroism and bravery of the country’s first and youngest president.
“Just like all other Filipino heroes, Aguinaldo chose to love our country. And choosing to love a country is an act of bravery,” Duterte said.
“You are brave. We are all brave. Filipinos are brave. Mahal natin ang Pilipinas. Patuloy natin itong mahalin (Let us love the Philippines. Let us continue to love it),” she added.