TARLAC CITY — Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Wednesday attended the Department of Education Tarlac Province’s 120th Founding Anniversary.

Tarlac is home to the oldest high school in the Philippines — the Tarlac National High School.

Duterte, who served as the guest of honor, congratulated the Department of Education Schools Division of the Province of Tarlac for successfully organizing the celebration.

“It is a significant milestone, indeed, for an institution to have had 120 years of fulfilling the noble mission of educating children, some of whom have become pillars of our history and society,” Duterte said at the Bulwagan ng Kanlahi here.

In her 18-minute message, Duterte said teaching a child is a serious commitment and a noble responsibility.

“Mahirap na trabaho ang humubog ng kaisipan ng isang bata. Nasusubok ang ating integridad bilang isang magulang at isang mamamayan,” Duterte said.

“Kaya saludo ako sa mga guro at ating mga DepEd officials, mga nagpaplano para sa edukasyon ng ating mga kabataan. Ang kahalagahan ng isang tapat, may puso at may malasakit na guro ay hindi napapantayan ng kahit anumang yamang materyal, lalong-lalo na sa impluwensyang nabibigay nila sa mga kabataan,” she added.

The Vice President recognized the teachers who labored through many challenges, and lauded them for continuing to rise amidst the pandemic.

She also briefly discussed the Basic Education Development Plan (BEDP) 2030, a project launched by former Education Secretary Leonor Briones, which aims to “enrich the experience of learners in schools and learning facilities.”

Duterte reiterated the commitment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to helping the Department of Education improve and play catchup with the rest of the world.

“In the next six years, we will usher in reforms and changes necessary to improve access, equity, quality, resilience, and basic education governance. This is our moment to rise above and shine our light upon our learners,” Duterte said.

The Vice President ended her message with hopes that the Tarlaqueños’ enthusiasm never wane and for them to be part of a fulfilling mission in building the country’s future.

“I cannot overemphasize our role in shaping the future. I hope all our Tarlaqueño educators continue to be beacons of light for your students, co-educators, planners, administrators, and respective communities,” Duterte said.

“Let us work together to rebuild back better, stronger, and more resilient basic education in our beloved country,” she added.

Over 600 DepEd personnel and local government unit officials attended the celebration. She also visited the Belenisma sa Tarlac in Armor Division, Camp O' Dannel, Capas, and the Northern Luzon Command in San Miguel, Tarlac where she distributed food packages to residents together with the Tarlac Heritage Foundation and Philippine Army, and conducted a story telling session to children.

OVP MEDIA