Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte
MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday vowed to help private schools recover from the losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic ahead of the start of the new academic year.
In an online meeting with former education secretary Leonor Briones and private education partners, Duterte acknowledged that the pandemic crippled numerous private schools.
“I understand that many private schools across the country are suffering from losses. Some private schools are facing closure. And a number have in fact already shut down,” she said.
“As a community, there is an urgent need to build back and build back stronger and better. The migration of students from private to public schools has put enormous strain on our public schools,” Duterte added.
She also recognized how private schools play a role in bringing children back to school.
“Now that we are finally ready to open the doors to face-to-face classes, we need the help of our private schools in bringing our children and youth back to school,” Duterte said.
She asked the private education partners for “indulgence” and “support” as the Department of Education studies and explores measures to resolve issues and concerns that affect the education sector.
“Our task here is to protect our children and ensure that quality education is made accessible for them — whether they are enrolled in private or public schools, whether they are in the cities or the countryside,” she added.
“We look forward to forging a productive partnership with you,” Duterte said.
“I would like to assure you that we will take these issues into consideration — with the hope of coming up with appropriate actions and effective solutions,” she further said.
In the meeting, Briones also officially turned over the DepEd to Duterte.
Duterte earlier said she is aiming to implement full face-to-face classes in schools by August this year.