DepEd sets 30-day straight break for teachers this school year

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

Sep 5, 2023 06:11 PM

  

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In time for the National Teacher’s Month, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Tuesday, Sept. 5, promised that teachers will have a 30-day straight break without volunteer work for the School Year 2023-2024.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte delivers her speech during the National Teacher’s Month kick-off at the Bohol Wisdom School in Tagbilaran City. (Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)

The official said this in a speech for the National Teacher’s Month kick-off at the Bohol Wisdom School Gymnasium in Tagbilaran City.

Duterte shared that End of School Year rites were already included in the official school calendar.

“We made sure that in this year’s school calendar, teachers will have 30 straight days of rest during the break without any DepEd activity that requires volunteer work,” she added.

“All activities with voluntary participation is scheduled after the said 30-day break.”

The Department of Education (DepEd), which she heads in a concurrent capacity, will release a memorandum to school heads and regional directors regarding the break. 

Duterte also vowed that DepEd will look into alleviating the teachers’ financial burdens by reorganizing administrative tasks and addressing issues in loans.

With the help of key government agencies, the official hoped to soon unburden teachers and allow them to focus on the students’ learning.

“The Department of Education’s MATATAG Agenda is not just a slogan. It is our roadmap to institutionalizing reforms within the department. This includes the protection of your rights and the promotion of your welfare,” she told teachers.

Noting that several school teachers “are overly stressed about their financial insecurities,” Duterte stressed that DepEd is working together with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Civil Service Commission, and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to help teachers with their loans, administrative responsibilities, and training.

“We are looking to address your concerns over accrued interests or arrears of your loans,” the official revealed.

She also underscored the need to let teachers focus on the students’ learning without the burden of doing administrative duties. 

“Soon, you will be relieved of the administrative responsibilities that prevent you from focusing on enhancing our students' learning,” she furthered, sharing that the DBM already approved the additional positions for 3,500 administrative officers and 1,500 project development officers.

“Still, there's more to come. With the vetted guidelines by both DBM and the Civil Service Commission, we are requesting a higher allocation for teaching overload pay,” Duterte said.

But to provide more opportunities for teachers to grow in their careers, the Vice President focused on DepEd’s “initiatives for in-service teachers and the continuous professional development programs.”

“We have always placed immense value on continuous learning, not just for our students but for our educators,” she said.

“As we move towards a more resilient basic education sector, trainings on blended learning and tools to integrate technology in the classroom will ensure our educators are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.”

While the official knows that there is no monetary value to their contributions to the country, Duterte said the Marcos administration is “committed to recognizing and compensating our teachers for their invaluable contributions.”

Marcos leads VP Duterte's birthday greeters

BY RAYMUND ANTONIO

May 31, 2023 11:35 AM

  

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President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led well-wishers of Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on her 45th birthday on Wednesday, May 31.

Vice President Sara Duterte (Photo from Atty. Reynold Munsayac's Facebook page)

Friends, supporters, and political allies also sent their greetings to the country’s second-highest official through social media.

“Maligayang kaarawan sa ating Vice President, Inday Sara Duterte! Salamat sa'yong 'di matatawarang serbisyo sa bayan. Nawa'y maging masaya ang iyong selebrasyon (Happy birthday to our Vice President, Inday Sara Duterte! Thank you for your incomparable service to the nation. May you have a happy celebration),” the caption of Marcos’ video greeting said.

In Visayan dialect, he asked the Vice President to take a break from work and not mind the “tambaloslos” around her, referring to a Visayan term Duterte once used to call out those whose ambition has made them thick-faced after her mentor, former president and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Arroyo, was demoted from the House senior deputy speaker post.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) also greeted and thanked Duterte for her service to the Philippines, especially the youth.

“Hangad po namin ngayong kaarawan ang inyong mabuting kalusugan at mas mayabong na paparating na mga taon (We wish you good health and more prosperous years to come),” the post said.

Lawyer Reynold Munsayac, her spokesman, also took to social media to greet his “boss.”

“Happy birthday po sa pinakamasipag at pinakamahusay na Boss namin sa OVP! Tunay na mabuting tao. Isang karangalan ang makapaglingkod sa bayan kasama si VP Inday Sara Duterte (Happy birthday to the most hardworking and excellent boss in the OVP! A true good person. It is an honor to serve alongside VP Inday Sara Duterte),” he wrote.

Former senator and business magnate Manny Villar also sent his greetings to the Vice President, who is allied with the Villar political clan.

“You are the future of this country. You are a passionate, energetic, young visionary who, as your shirt in this photo proclaims, has proven your unwavering love for the country,” he said.

“Enjoy your special day and spend it with the people you love. I wish you all the best and I hope the Lord continues to bless you with many more years of inspiring leadership and public service,” he added.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada took the chance in his greeting to thank Duterte for her support for him and his daughter.

“Happy birthday sa napakasipag at napakabait na Pangalawang Pangulo ng ating bansa, VP Inday Sara Duterte. I pray for your good health and may God grant your heart’s desires para sa iyong pamilya at sa ating bansa (Happy birthday to the most hardworking and nicest vice president of the country, VP Inday Sara Duterte. I pray for your good health and may God grant your heart’s desires for your family and our country),” he wrote.

Duterte’s supporters also did not let the day pass without greeting her.

Jocelyn Bebeth Cambaya posted a billboard birthday for the Vice President in the popular Times Square in New York City.

Minority congresswoman only has good things to say about VP Sara

Published February 1, 2023, 9:44 AM

by Ellson Quismorio

A member of the House minority bloc is backing the efforts of Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte in addressing the challenges hounding the country’s basic education system. 

BH Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera (left) and Vice President Sara Duterte

“I personally laud and support the Vice President for her commitment to improve the quality of basic education in the country in her capacity as the Secretary of the Department of Education,” Deputy Minority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera said in a statement Wednesday, Feb. 1. 

The minority bloc in the House of Representatives are traditional composed of government critics. But in this case, Herrera only has good things to say about the former Davao Ciity mayor.

“I have absolute confidence in her ability to institute much needed reforms to make the Philippine basic education system competitive and at par with other countries,” Herrera added of Duterte.

The party-list solon issued the statement after Duterte launched the “MATATAG” agenda, which would serve as the DepEd’s roadmap in addressing the challenges in the basic education sector under her term as education chief. 

MATATAG aims to focus on making curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; taking steps to accelerate delivery of basic education facilities and services; taking good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and give support to teachers to teach better.

These key strategies, according to Herrera, would “surely help the basic education sector continue to recover from the pandemic and address the problems that have long existed in our education system.”

Herrera said she is also ready to support whatever laws or policies that the Vice President wants Congress to prioritize for the basic education sector.

Herrera said she was particularly amazed by the Vice President’s determination to get children’s education back on track with the resumption of full face-to-face classes after two years of intermittent distance learning during the pandemic.

“We have seen the tremendous work VP Sara has done to help schools reopen for in-person learning and allow our children to safely return to school,” she pointed out.

“I believe this is just a preview of how she will lead the DepEd in the next six years. With her strong leadership and firm political will, people can expect VP Sara to undertake some bold reforms that will help improve and transform our country’s basic education system,” she added.

DepED asks schools, offices to hold ‘simple yet meaningful’ Christmas parties

by Merlina Hernando-Malipot

The Department of Education (DepED) reminded schools and offices to ensure that Christmas parties will be held in a “simple yet meaningful” manner.

Photo from Unsplash

In DepED Order No. 52 series of 2022 signed by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte dated Nov. 2, the department issued guidelines for the celebration of Christmas within the DepED. 

DepED urged its community to “strive for a genuine celebration of hope, unity, and service for others” every Christmas season.

Given this, public schools as well as DepED Central and field offices were directed to ensure that celebrations related to Christmas should be “simple yet meaningful.”

This, DepED said, can be done by keeping in mind the “true spirit of the season” and the “austerity called for by the difficult economic times.”

Voluntary, practicable

In its latest issuance, DepED urged all concerned to ensure that all Christmas parties, themes, costumes, decorations, and exchange gifts remain voluntary.

“No learner or DepED personnel should be forced to contribute participate or use their money for the celebration,” the department said.

DepED also stressed that contributions for celebrations in schools or offices, whether in cash or kind, “should be strictly voluntary.”

Likewise, the department added that “no learner shall be excluded from joining the Christmas celebration by reason of their failure to give the voluntary contribution or absence of a prepared of a prepared gift.”

To help ensure that celebrations in schools and offices are “practicable,” DepEd said that “Christmas party themes should not result to expenses that will become a burden on parents, students and DepED personnel.”

Likewise, DepED enjoined schools and offices to use or recycle old Christmas decorations. The purchase of new decor was also discouraged. Furthermore, DepED said that no learner or personnel should be “required to make decors specifically for a party.” 

Christmas parties in schools, DepED added, may also be organized within class hours “so long as it does not interfere with the scheduled lesson plans intended to be taught to the students.”

DepED offices, however, were reminded that the conduct of Christmas get-togethers and other similar year-end activities “should not compromise the provision of departmental services.”

When it comes to gift-giving, DepED said that this should be “guided by the spirit and of sharing and should not lead to extravagant spending.”

DepED personnel were also reminded that solicitations, whether in cash or in-kind, are not allowed for Christmas parties or holiday celebrations.

The provisions of this order, DepED said, cover all that schools and offices in the country.

Schools Division Offices (SDOs) were also allowed to issue additional guidelines based on their local customs and traditions, subject to the issued guidelines.

For private schools, community learning centers, as well as state or local universities and colleges, DepED said that they may “choose to adopt the provisions” of the newly-issued order as a basis in the conduct of their own Christmas parties or celebration.

Christmas is about love, forgiveness — VP Sara

by Joseph Pedrajas

It is not important if the Christmas celebration is big or fancy because the season is, in fact, about spending time with your loved ones and giving forgiveness, Vice President Sara Duterte said.

At the ceremonial lighting of a 42-foot Christmas tree in Laguna on Thursday night, Duterte also said what is important in celebrating Christmas is that “we, our loved ones and our family are happy and we forgive those who have wronged us.” 

Photo courtesy of VP Sara Duterte

“Yan talaga yung tema ng pasko— pagmamahal, pagpapatawad, pagbibigay, (That’s the theme of Christmas—love, forgiveness, giving) kindness,” she said.

“‘Yan din yung message natin sa ating mga kababayan dahil ang pananawagan natin ay unity kaya meron ding kalakip yon ng pagpapatawad hindi lang sa pulitika but even sa personal lives natin (That’s also my message to my fellow: the call for unity because it also entails forgiveness not only in the area of politics but also in our personal lives)— working together with our neighbors, with our officemates, with our family,” she added in an eventual interview with reporters.

The Vice President then thanked Laguna residents for supporting her and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the elections as well as for supporting her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

As chief of the Department of Education, she also called on the parents to instill the value of education to their children.

VP Sara tells Filipinos to be inspired by Bonifacio, rekindle patriotism

Published November 30, 2022, 12:45 PM

by Betheena Unite

Vice President Sara Duterte expressed hopes that Filipinos would take inspiration from Andres Bonifacio to rekindle their “deep sense of patriotism.”

Vice President Sara Duterte keynotes the 48th Philippine Business Conference (PBC) and Expo organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce (PCCI) at the Manila Hotel on Oct. 19, 2022. (Noel B. Pabalate/MANILA BULLETIN)

Duterte, who also heads the Department of Education (DepEd) in a concurrent capacity, joined the nation in commemorating the 159th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, also known as the Father of Philippine Revolution, on Wednesday, Nov. 30.

She enjoined the nation to emulate Bonifacio’s “courage and heroism” in overcoming the difficulties it faces.

“May his extraordinary love of our country continue to inspire us to be constantly united in overcoming the difficulties we face as a nation and realize our shared aspirations of a better life for all,” the Vice President said.

“And may the fire he started in the name of freedom rekindle a deep sense of patriotism among us as we usher in a future strongly forged by our unyielding solidarity and our own acts of selflessness, courage, and bravery for our country and our fellow Filipinos,” she added.

Duterte also urged the citizenry to keep loving the Philippines.

OVP to open more satellite offices next year—Duterte

Published November 16, 2022, 1:49 PM

by Raymund Antonio, MB

Vice President Sara Duterte announced on Wednesday, Nov. 16, the planned opening of three more satellite offices of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) next year to make its services and programs more accessible to the people.

Vice President Sara Duterte delivers her message after the Office of the Vice President (OVP) signed the memorandum of agreement with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. (Raymund Antonio/MANILA BULLETIN)

The OVP has seven existing satellite offices in Bacolod, Surigao del Sur, Cebu, Davao, Tacloban, Dagupan, and Zamboanga. 

Its central office is housed at the Robinsons Cybergate Plaza in Mandaluyong City.

Duterte said they could open one to three satellite offices depending on how these could be funded from the OVP’s budget. 

“I-assess lang namin kung gaano ‘yung budget namin, paano niya ma-accommodate ‘yung (We only have to assess how much is our budget, how can it accommodate) one to three satellite offices,” she said in a media interview.

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the Vice President met with the OVP satellite managers to discuss the concerns of their respective offices.

OVP satellite office in Cebu City (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)

“There was a discussion na dapat maglagay ng (that we should open a) satellite office sa (in the) eastern side ng (of) Luzon,” she noted. 

“Meron pang mga areas sa (There are areas in) Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao na walang kami (that we don’t yet have) presence,” the official added.

Duterte cited those in need from Isabela who had to hire a jeepney to go to the OVP’s Dagupan office.

The OVP will open satellite offices based on the demand in a particular area of coverage.

“Ang nangyayari ang tao ang pumupunta dun sa (What happens is that the people go to our) satellite offices namin so iyon ang tinitingnan namin kung saan magiging parang i-divide (that’s what we’re looking at, maybe divide) geographically iyong (the) areas ng (of) coverage ng (of) satellite offices making it more easier para mga kababayan natin (for our fellowmen),” she said.

Good governance resolves wars – Sara

By Red Mendoza, Sunday Times

Vice President Sara Duterte and Sen. Imee Marcos visit the Kagan tribe, a Muslim community located in Bacaca, Davao City, on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. The tribe’s elders took the opportunity to convey their problems, such as flooding, to Duterte and Marcos, who celebrated her 67th birthday in the community. PHOTO BY ARJOY M. CENIZA

VICE President Sara Duterte stressed the importance of good governance in resolving conflicts such as wars, noting that government officials working with integrity and dedication to public service will allow the public to disengage themselves from violence.

In her speech at the Kusog Mindanaw Conference in Davao City on Friday, Duterte said that Mindanao is now experiencing "peace titme," which would allow the government to address the problems that could be exploited by terror groups to foment anger and incite people to resist the government.

Duterte is the highest Philippine official to attend the group's annual conference.

"Peace is a delicate, fragile beauty. It needs constant attention. In the case of Mindanao, it does not only need our continuous attention; it needs our constant, collective attention," Duterte added.

She described them as "peace doves," who were top government officials such as Cabinet members and ranking military officials who were supportive of their calls to end the war in Mindanao.

"Both presidents are no longer with us, but I believe that some of those who worked with their Peace Doves continue the Mindanao peace advocacy works even today." Duterte added.

She said that while the previous administration of his father, Rodrigo Duterte, had to deal with the radicalized groups behind terrorist attacks in Mindanao, the government had seen zero deployments of soldiers to the island.

Duterte also emphasized that peace should be on top of the Mindanao agenda for the country, noting that the war in the island should be "remembered only to remind us of why we should all work together and commit, protect, and defend peace at all costs."

She also called on every Mindanaoan, like herself, to acknowledge the sacrifices of fellow Mindanaoans who have fought against rebel groups to secure Mindanao and provide safety to the people.

"You have all the reasons to be proud of the tremendous job that you have done for Mindanao and your fellow Mindanaoans," she said.

Kusog Mindanaw is a Mindanao-wide organization that is established as a platform for discussion and development partnerships in the island.

VP Duterte explains why it’s not hard to love PH

Published November 5, 2022, 9:05 AM

by Raymund Antonio

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte believes Filipinos must focus on what each of them can do for the Philippines so the country can move forward to achieve progress faster.

Vice President Sara Duterte during the Naval Special Operations Command’s 66th anniversary celebration on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022. (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte via Facebook)

In her message during the Naval Special Operations Command’s 66th founding year celebration on Friday, Nov. 4, Duterte said she doesn’t think it’s difficult for every citizen to show love for the country.

“Minsan, may nabasa ako. Ang sabi niya mahirap daw pong mahalin ang Pilipinas. Ang sabi ko (I once read something. He said it’s hard to love the Philippines. I said) that’s not true. At isa kayo…ang makakapagpatotoo, (And you’re one of those who can testify it’s not true),” she said in her speech, a copy of which was sent to the media.

The Vice President explained that if every Filipino will love the Philippines, the country can achieve greater heights.

“Naniniwala po kasi ako na kapag napag-alab natin sa puso ng bawat Pilipino ang pagmamahal sa bayan — ang pagiging tunay na makabansa, ang pagiging tunay na makabayan — maitatawid natin ang Pilipinas. Makakaraos tayo. Uunlad tayo (I believe that if every Filipino will be passionate about loving our country—being a true patriot—we can improve the Philippines. We will survive. We will progress),” she said.

Members of the Philippine Navy, particularly those from the Naval Special Operations Command, received praises from Duterte for their patriotism and heroism.

In previous years, she noted how they were instrumental in several of the government’s counter-terrorism operations, among which was against the Abu Sayyaf Group.

(Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)

“The Philippines and the Filipino people are lucky to experience your patriotism, your love — one that is without condition, one that expects nothing in return, and one that is saddled with so many sacrifices,” she said.

The lady official also said she wished many more Filipino youth would join any branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other allied security forces.

“Alam ninyo, ang isa sa mga pangarap ko ay sana mas maraming kabataang Pilipino ang pumasok sa (You know, one of my dreams is that more young Filipinos join the) Philippine Navy o anumang sangay ng (or any branch of the) Armed Forces of the Philippines o maging sa (or in the) Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP),” she said.

Duterte stressed her respect for the members of the country’s security front stemmed from their courage and love of country.

“Isa itong uri ng pagmamahal na hindi namamatay sa panahon na nahaharap tayo sa pagsubok (This is a kind of love that will not die in a time we are facing trials),” she said.

“Isa itong pagmamahal na mas nag-aalab at mas umiinit sa tuwing tayo ay nakakaranas ng kahirapan (This love becomes more intense every time we experience hardships),” she added.

The Vice President also emphasized the need to provide necessary support and training to the soldiers of the Naval Special Operations Command that would improve their skills and capacities in responding to security threats.

“We hope to continue to foster greater cooperation and strengthen security ties with other nations as we maintain that the Philippines is a friend to everyone,” she said.

Church must guide PH youth to the ‘right path’ — VP Sara

by Raymund Antonio, MB

Amid temptations of substance abuse, rebellion, and extremism that face today’s Filipino youth, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Wednesday, Oct. 26, called on the Church to shape the minds of the youth and guide them toward the “right path” as she vouched for the government’s support.

Vice President Sara Duterte speaks during the Jesus is Lord Church Pastors’ Congress at Novotel Manila on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. (OVP photo)

The official spoke during the Jesus is Lord Church Pastors’ Congress at Novotel Manila for its 44th anniversary.  

Citing the Church’s “significant role” in shaping the mind and conscience of the community, especially the youth, Duterte underscored how Filipinos all over the world seek the Church when they celebrate milestones and struggle with life’s challenges.

But she particularly urged the Church to guide the Filipino youth and contribute in rebuilding the nation.

“Our youth are vulnerable and easily impressionable and I call upon the Church to help us guide our young Filipinos into the right path. The lures of substance abuse, violent extremism, and rebellion keep pulling away our country’s future. I believe this is where the Church can support nation-building,” the Vice President said.

“Your ministries to the communities have never been more relevant than now when our youth’s mental and psychological health are held hostage by various social media influences and peer and social pressure,” she added, noting also how the isolation brought by the Covid-19 pandemic led to loss of confidence to navigate life.

(Photo from Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)

“Without professional help and spiritual guidance, some have been driven to self-harm and harm others,” she furthered. 

But aside from the youth, the official also highlighted how the Church must unify the family as society’s basic unit.

“As you come together to reinforce your vision of nation-building, rest assured that we, at the government, are your partners in advocacies and ministries for the Filipino people,” she said, adding that a society guided by a “moral compass” is a shared dream by the Church and government.

“The call to build a strong nation is an open invitation. It is for us all. After all, we speak in universal truths of kindness, compassion, love, joy, and peace for all,” Duterte asserted.

The Vice President, who shared that Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s Jesus is Lord Church is the same age as hers, expressed admiration for the Church’s 44 years of dedication “to spreading the word of God and winning spiritual battles for our nation.”

“Your commitment and sacrifice to reach out, spend time, and minister to these people have truly changed lives one prayer at a time,” she said.