FULL SPEECH: VP Sara Duterte's farewell speech during DepEd turnover ceremony

Summary

Secretary S. Angara’s address highlights the significant achievements and progress made by the Department of Education (DepEd) over the past two years. Key accomplishments include the rollout of the Matatag Agenda, the return of in-person classes, the launch of innovative programs like the National Learning Recovery Plan, and infrastructure upgrades to create safer, climate-resilient schools. The speech also underscores the efforts to support educators through improved welfare policies and partnerships with organizations like TESDA and CHED. Angara emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure the continuous improvement of the country’s education system.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Matatag agenda and Basic Education Development Plan were adopted as national policies for improving basic education in the Philippines.
• 😀 Over 27 million learners successfully returned to in-person classes post-pandemic, marking a major step towards normalcy in education.
• 😀 The K10 Matatag curriculum was piloted and is being reviewed as part of ongoing curriculum development efforts.
• 😀 A National Learning Recovery Plan was launched, focusing on reading, math programs, and national learning camps to address learning losses from the pandemic.
• 😀 DepEd entered into partnerships with TESDA and CHED, providing free National Certification assessments for Senior High School graduates.
• 😀 Significant progress was made in improving school infrastructure, with ongoing construction, repairs, and the approval of safer, climate-resilient facilities.
• 😀 DepEd implemented technology initiatives, including the procurement of e-learning carts with laptops and a nationwide Wi-Fi program for remote schools.
• 😀 Teacher welfare was a key focus, with policies to address workload, overload pay, uninterrupted breaks, and mental health support.
• 😀 Over two million trees were planted in a single day as part of DepEd’s environmental initiatives.
• 😀 DepEd secured funding for mental health programs, a nationwide school-based feeding program, and new insurance benefits for teaching and non-teaching staff.
• 😀 The department has strengthened partnerships with private schools, local governments, NGOs, and foreign organizations to further improve education delivery.

Q & A

What is the Matatag Agenda and why is it significant for the Department of Education?

The Matatag Agenda is a national policy adopted by the NEDA Board as a framework for improving basic education in the Philippines. It outlines strategic actions to enhance the quality and accessibility of education, focusing on sustainable and resilient systems to support learners and educators post-pandemic.

How has the Department of Education supported learners' recovery after the pandemic?

The Department of Education supported learners by bringing back in-person classes for approximately 27 million learners in public schools. Additionally, it launched the National Learning Recovery Plan, which includes national programs focused on reading, math, and learning camps.

What is the K-10 Matatag Curriculum, and how does it contribute to educational development?

The K-10 Matatag Curriculum is a newly piloted curriculum designed to improve educational outcomes for elementary and junior high school students. It is part of a broader effort to make education more relevant, inclusive, and adaptable to the needs of learners.

What measures have been taken to enhance teacher welfare and support?

Several initiatives were implemented to support teachers, including insurance coverage for teaching and non-teaching staff, special lanes for DepEd personnel, a 30-day uninterrupted break, and a policy on teacher workload to ensure fair compensation for teaching overloads.

What role did the collaboration with TESDA and CHED play in senior high school education?

The collaboration with TESDA and CHED provided senior high school graduates with free national certification assessments and accreditation of senior high schools as assessment centers. This partnership aimed to improve the employability of graduates and align education with industry needs.

How has the Department of Education contributed to improving educational infrastructure?

The Department of Education has made significant progress in building and rehabilitating classrooms across the country. This includes constructing new classrooms and making existing ones safer and more climate-resilient, supported by the ISRS project with approval from the World Bank.

What is the significance of the Department of Education's e-learning initiatives?

The Department of Education's e-learning initiatives include the procurement of e-learning carts, each containing 46 laptops, to be distributed to schools nationwide. These initiatives aim to provide students and educators with better access to technology and resources for digital learning.

How has the Department of Education improved internet connectivity in schools?

The Department has rolled out a schoolwide Wi-Fi program, providing internet connectivity to 2,000 last-mile schools through satellite technology and 305 schools through fiber connections. This initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide and ensure all students have access to online learning resources.

What environmental initiative did the Department of Education undertake?

In an effort to promote sustainability, the Department of Education led an initiative to plant over 2 million trees in a single day. This initiative supports environmental awareness and contributes to the country's green efforts.

How has the Department of Education engaged with local and international stakeholders?

The Department of Education has strengthened its partnerships with local government units, foreign governments, NGOs, and the private sector to ensure the success of various educational programs. These collaborations help address challenges in education and support the implementation of key initiatives.