Former Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — New Education Secretary Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday revealed that her predecessor Leonor Briones has agreed to stay in the Department of Education (DepEd) as her consultant.
She made the revelation during the ceremony at the DepEd Central Office where Briones officially turned over the agency to Duterte.
Duterte admitted getting teary-eyed during the ceremony, saying she felt sad that Briones’ stint as the DepEd secretary is now over. She, however, is happy that the former Education chief has agreed to be her consultant.
“I feel sad, kahit hindi kami magkatrabaho, parang namimiss ko si Secretary Briones sa darating ko na trabaho and I’m truly happy that she committed to stay on as a consultant for the Office of the Secretary of the DepEd,” she said in her speech.
(I feel sad. Even though we have not worked together, I feel like I’ll miss her in my new job and I’m truly happy that she committed to staying on as a consultant for the Office of the Secretary of the DepEd.)
Duterte then praised and thanked the department’s officials who, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, fulfilled their mandate to the Filipino children.
She noted Briones’ dedication to government service and the entire DepEd workforce’s innovations especially in hurdling the effects of the pandemic in pursuit of its call that education must continue.
“Headed by Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones, DepEd adapted and implemented bold but necessary measures to provide Filipino children accessible and quality education — ensuring that learning is unhampered and our learners are not left out — while also ensuring the economic welfare of our teachers and the non-teaching personnel working under the organization,” Duterte said.
“Secretary Liling is a force. And I am humbled and honored to follow in the footsteps of a much-admired academic, public servant, social activist, and change-maker,” Duterte added.
“I would also like to acknowledge the equally devoted men and women, our undersecretaries and assistant secretaries who supported Ma’am Liling in the last six years. Daghang salamat kaninyo,” she continued.
Duterte said under the leadership of Briones, the department pushed the full implementation of the Senior High School program “that eventually allowed parents and students to see its significance in providing our graduates with the necessary skills relevant to today’s dynamic workforce.”
“Secretary Liling and the whole Department of Education organization never cowered in the face of disapproval, public frustration, and pressure,” she said.
Duterte also recalled the department’s stance when the face-to-face classes were suspended indefinitely due to the alarming pandemic state.
“When some sectors called for an academic freeze, the response was academic ease. And it was a brilliant, appropriate, and timely response — made with a will, resolve, and foresight — that our children’s learning is shielded from the adverse impact of the pandemic,” she said.
Duterte said she will assume as the department’s secretary “with the reminder that we shall continue to find ways to improve basic education in terms of access, equity, quality, resiliency, and governance — to produce learners who can achieve their full potential as individuals who are responsible, skilled, knowledgeable, productive, and determined to achieve their dreams for themselves and our country.”
For Briones’ part, she highlighted in her farewell speech the department’s gains over the past six years, including the landmark reforms under her administration, including the Basic Educational Development Plan (BEDP) 2030.
“We are turning over to our beloved Secretary of Education, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, an organization which persevered in spite of Covid-19; an organization which developed new initiatives and looks forward to a great future for our learners,” Briones said.
The ceremony included handing over the department’s flag, official seal, and a copy of the BEDP 2030.