Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Thursday, April 13, underscored the need for “collective efforts” in addressing the problems faced by the country’s education sector.
Vice President Sara Duterte speaks during the meeting between the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) and the Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday, April 13. (Ali Vicoy/ManilaBulletin)
Speaking during the meeting between the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) and the Department of Education (DepEd), which she heads in a concurrent capacity, the official welcomed the suggestions from the commissioners and the advisory council.
“If there are ways by which we can collaborate and support one another, we would be glad to hear them, for we believe that the gargantuan task of addressing the woes of the education sector will not happen overnight, nor can it be achieved by DepEd alone,” she said.
Quoting an old adage that says “It takes a village to educate a child,” Duterte highlighted the roles that must be played by key agencies to address the problems that beset the education sector.
“In order to ensure quality, accessible, relevant, and liberating basic education for our learners, we need to strengthen and sustain our collective efforts as a nation,” she added.
“We still have a long way to go. We need to be resilient. We need to do more,” the Vice President lamented.
This is the reason why DepEd launched its MATATAG Agenda, the agency’s new agenda to resolve basic education woes, in January this year.
MATATAG aims to “make the curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; take steps to accelerate delivery of basic education facilities and services; take good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and give support to teachers to teach better.”
After introducing the DepEd Executive Committee Officials who will ensure the implementation of the MATATAG Agenda, Duterte expressed her readiness to work with EDCOM II.
“Together, DepEd endeavors to establish a nation that values its youth and a Filipino youth that values its nation,” she said.
“As this meeting commences, it is of utmost importance that we are all guided by a common understanding of a systematic and inclusive engagement among stakeholders, which is a critical component in the fulfillment of our goals and targets,” the Vice President added.