VP Duterte vows to ensure academic continuity amid pandemic

Vice President Sara Duterte. SCREENSHOT FROM SARA DUTERTE’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday cited the education sector’s resolve and commitment to ensure academic continuity amid the ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Filipino learners.

Duterte recognized the effects of COVID-19 on the country’s education. However, she said the pandemic is “no match” to the government’s commitment to ensuring educational continuity and quality amid the challenges.

“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,” she said during her speech during the commencement exercises of the Emilio Aguinaldo College in Cavite.

“You — the graduates, the parents, the school, the Emilio Aguinaldo College community — embody Filipino resiliency and the indomitable will to overcome difficult times,” Duterte added.

Duterte, who concurrently sits as the Education secretary, reminded the new graduates to be resilient in whatever challenges they face.

She shared her experience studying at the De La Salle University in Dasmariñas, where she struggled to live 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,” the Vice President said.

The Vice President spoke to 400 EAC Cavite graduates, the first batch who graduated from its senior high school program.

“You are the living proof of our country’s first attempt at producing graduates with 21st-century education — equipped with life, career, learning and innovation, and communication and information technology skills,” Duterte said.

“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 added.

Duterte also 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 how the college is named after former president Emilio Aguinaldo, Duterte said she hopes 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,” she 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),” Duterte added.

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