PASAY CITY — Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Monday was firm on her promise to not leave teachers behind, saying that they are critical to the success of education.

This, as Duterte delivered her Basic Education Report 2023 at the Sofitel Hotel Philippine Plaza Manila here.

“Our teachers, they are the lifeblood of the Department of Education. Without our teachers, our mission to carve a better future for our children will fail,” Duterte said.

“Lagi ko pong sinasabi sa ating mga guro, importante kayo sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan. Kayo ang gumagabay at tumutulong sa ating mga kabataan, sa pagpapanday ng kanilang mga pangarap sa buhay, at pagsa-katuparan ng mga pangarap na ito,” she added.

Duterte said when teachers are supported, the quality of education will improve. She also stressed on giving support to teachers to improve their teaching methods for Filipino learners.

Professional development programs, including graduate degree scholarship programs for teachers, focusing on their learning area specialization, and graduate certificate programs for non-majors, are some of her plans.

“We will provide support in terms of innovative, responsive, and inclusive teaching approaches following the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST),” Duterte said.

“We will provide training and other learning and development interventions for school leaders, namely the school heads, supervisors, superintendents, and assistant superintendents, so they can better support our teachers to teach better,” she added.

Duterte reiterated her position for the removal of non-teaching tasks, provide administrative officers in schools, compensate teachers for unique school challenges, and continuously advocate for additional benefits for our teachers.

She added that the DepEd is currently reaching out to the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that DepEd employees enjoy free health check-ups.

She said the DepEd and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) have an ongoing commitment for a monthly updating whether or not the deliverables are met for the implementation of benefits for the teaching and non-teaching staff.

“We are also closely coordinating with the GSIS for an improved and superior benefits package for all DepEd personnel. We will resolve issues on teachers’ loans, premium remittances, and other benefits. We have committed to meeting at least once a month until all these issues are resolved,” Duterte said.

The DepEd is also looking to provide a free legal assistance facility for teachers on matters concerning loan contracts and obligations.

“To our teachers, we recognize your zeal, integrity, commitment, and passion. And yes, we also recognize your sacrifices. We thank you for your sacrifices,” Duterte said.

“Maraming salamat po sa inyong dedikasyon. Hindi po namin kayo pababayaan,” she added.

OVP MEDIA