BBM lauds DepEd, cites gains under Sara

Despite having the “most difficult mandate,” the Department of Education (DepEd) has been able to set the stage for a “modern and responsive” educational system under its current leadership, President Marcos said yesterday.

- ALEXIS ROMERO and NEIL JAYSON SERVALLOS

In a speech during the presentation of the Basic Education Report 2024 in Pasay, Marcos acknowledged that while the goals in the education sector are hard to meet, he is optimistic that these would be achieved, judging from what the DepEd has accomplished so far.

“As your report has shown, the building blocks of a modern, responsive educational system have now been laid. It is something we have waited for for many, many, many years. At this juncture in our transformational journey, my instruction is simply this: Padayon! Padayon! Padayon! (Go on, go on, go on),” the President said.

Marcos described DepEd's report as "candid," "clear," "comprehensive" and "quite compelling" and thanked Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte for her leadership.

"Certainly, milestones achieved so far deserve our congratulations. Daghang salamat (Thank you very much), Vice President Inday Sara, for your stewardship of the biggest agency, with the largest constituency, and, I would say, most difficult mandate," the Chief Executive said.

Marcos also expressed confidence that the MATATAG education system would pave the way for a "more empowered, secure, and progressive future." He welcomed the pilot of the new K to 10 curriculum in 35 schools, saying the curriculum is being decongested with a focus on the development of foundational skills.