Sara Duterte resigns as DepEd secretary, holds press conference

Summary

The Philippine Secretary of Education reflects on the journey of the education sector, highlighting significant strides in curriculum reform, infrastructure development, and teacher support. Despite fiscal challenges, innovation in digital infrastructure has been key, with 2000 schools gaining internet access. The department has also prioritized learner safety and inclusivity, strengthening the Alternative Learning System and special needs education. The Secretary expresses gratitude for the collective efforts and announces a 30-day break for teachers, emphasizing the nation's commitment to quality education.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker acknowledges the challenges faced by the education system and the importance of addressing them to ensure a resilient and effective learning environment.
• 📚 The Department of Education (DepEd) has introduced a new curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 10, aiming for nationwide implementation by July 29.
• 🏫 Efforts have been made to improve educational infrastructure, including the construction of new classrooms and the enhancement of digital infrastructure to support learning during calamities.
• 📈 DepEd has streamlined the procurement process to provide essential educational resources such as textbooks and e-learning cards.
• 🌐 By the end of 2025, the goal is to have all schools connected to the internet, either through satellite or fiber, to facilitate digital learning.
• 👥 The department is committed to providing a safe learning environment, launching a centralized reporting system for learners' rights and protection, and working to combat abuse and criminal activities.
• 🤝 There is a strong emphasis on inclusivity, with the strengthening of the Alternative Learning System and special needs education to ensure no child is left behind.
• 👩‍🏫 Teachers are recognized as the cornerstone of the education system, with DepEd working to support them through training, professional development, and the removal of administrative tasks.
• 🏡 A 30-day break with no mandatory tasks for teachers has been implemented to allow them to rest and focus on teaching.
• 🙏 The speaker expresses gratitude to all stakeholders, including partner agencies, local government units, the private sector, and the DepEd family, for their support in advancing education.
• 🌟 The speaker announces their resignation as Secretary of Education, effective July 19, 2024, and emphasizes their continued commitment to the quality of education and the welfare of teachers and students in the Philippines.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speech?

The main focus of the speech is on the state of Philippine Education, highlighting the challenges faced by the education system, the initiatives taken to improve it, and the importance of a resilient and effective education system for the nation's future.

How does the speaker describe the current state of Philippine Education?

The speaker describes the current state of Philippine Education as resilient, with approximately 28 million learners and almost a million teachers, and emphasizes the need for an education system that can unleash their true potential.

What significant steps have been taken towards institutional reforms in the basic education sector?

Significant steps include the improvement of the curriculum, acceleration of basic education infrastructure and facilities, promotion of learners' safety and wellbeing, and provision of support for teacher quality and welfare.

What is the status of the new curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 10?

The new curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 10 has been launched, and its nationwide implementation is highly anticipated as schools open on July 29.

How has the Department of Education (DepEd) addressed the issue of resource provision for the new curriculum?

DepEd has taken strides to improve the procurement process, aiming to complete textbook procurement and the purchase of e-learning cards by the first half of the year.

What innovative measures has DepEd taken to provide basic education facilities?

In addition to building new classrooms, DepEd has tapped into digital infrastructure, providing internet connections to schools through satellites and fiber to address congestion and avoid learning disruptions.

How does the speaker plan to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for learners?

The speaker mentions launching a centralized reporting system through the Learners Rights and Protection Office, providing a hotline, and working with partner agencies to shield learners and teachers from abuse, illegal drugs, terrorism, insurgency, and criminal activities.

What efforts have been made to promote inclusivity in education?

Efforts include strengthening the Alternative Learning System and special needs education, ensuring that no child is left behind.

What support has been provided to teachers by the Department of Education?

Support for teachers includes providing avenues for training and professional development, personal accident insurance, removing administrative tasks to allow focus on teaching, and giving teachers a 30-day break without mandatory or voluntary tasks.

Why is the speaker resigning from the position of Secretary of Education?

The speaker is not resigning out of weakness or lack of commitment but to ensure a proper and orderly transition for the benefit of the next secretary, while continuing to advocate for the quality of education and the welfare of teachers and students.

What is the speaker's final message to the nation and the education sector?

The speaker's final message is one of gratitude for the support and commitment shown by various stakeholders, and a reaffirmation of their dedication to serving the Filipino people and ensuring a strong and resilient Philippines.