DINALUPIHAN, Bataan — Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte in a
visit here Monday hailed the opening of in-classes as a victory despite fear of the
pandemic.
“Isang malaking tagumpay para sa mga kabataang Pilipino ang pagsisimula ng in-
person learning ngayong araw na ito, isang hakbang na buong tapang na ginawa
ng Department of Education sa kabila ng takot na dala ng coronavirus disease,”
she said.
“Hindi binabalewala ang mga pangamba na dulot ng pandemya at dahil dito ay
naglalatag ng mga alituntunin para maiwasan mahawa ng Covid-19 ang mga
learners, teaching and non-teaching personnel ng paaralan at katuwang ang
Department of Health dito,” Duterte furthered.
She said that this move is for the Filipino youth that as of last count of the
enrollment figure there are 27.8 million children in public and private schools.
“We can no longer make the Covid-19 pandemic as an excuse to keep our children
away from their schools. The Philippines has been reopening up just like the rest
of the world has reopened,” Duterte noted.
In the same way, she said, “we cannot make the lack of educational infrastructure
or the inadequate number of classrooms in certain provinces another excuse to
keep our children away from schools.”
“Hindi na kaya na muling maantala pa ang pag-aaral ng mga kabataang Pilipino.
Kailangan na silang maibalik sa in-person learning dahil dito makakakuha ng
makahulugan, sapat, wasto at dekalidad na edukasyon na kailangan nila para sa
kalinangan ng kanilang pagiisip at kakayanan bilang indibidwal na magiging
katuwang ng pamahalaan sa pagtatag ng isang malakas na bansa,” Duterte said.
“Today we acknowledge that this is a victory in basic education but without a
doubt this is also a victory for all the teachers and supports staff, the parents,
local government units, other government partners, private sector and civil
society advocate supporters and all education stake holders.” Duterte continued.
“August 22, 2022 is not only the day when DepEd and the entire organization
opened in person classes all over the country in what others would describe as a
bold move considering the continues threat of the pandemic and the perennial
problems of the organization.” she said.
Duterte said this is also the day when one of the important decisions on behalf of
Filipino children was made. “A decision that would tremendously impact the
future they are charting for themselves, with our guidance.”
“Paalala namin sa ating mga learners, sa ating mga anak, na hindi ang inyong mga
magulang, hindi ang paaralan, hindi ang mga guro ang magpapabago ng buhay
ninyo. Kayo at ang inyong determinasyon ang magpapabago ng buhay ninyo.” the
vice president concluded.
Duterte visited classrooms of the Dinalupihan Elementary School and interacted
and had selfie with children and teachers.
She requested a musical number, “Awitin mo at Isasayaw ko,” from an orchestra
composed of school children and made selfie with members of the band group,
moving her feet and body while the song was being played.
Gov. Jose Enrique Garcia 3 rd , Vice Gov. Cris Garcia, 3 rd District Rep. Maria Angela
Garcia, municipal mayors, board members and other local officials welcomed the
vice president.
