BBM vows quality education in Caraga; no mention of Sara

As lawmakers and various groups suggested that President Marcos pick a real educator to head the Department of Education (DepEd), the Chief Executive went on with his usual activities yesterday, handing over P158 million to local governments in the Caraga region hit by El Niño.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

The giving of assistance was held during Marcos' visit to Tandag City in Surigao del Sur and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte.

While the President did not mention anything about resigned education secretary Vice President Sara Duterte during the two sorties, he reiterated the government's commitment to pursue quality education in one of his speeches.

"You can be sure that we will continue to push for education and health care here in Caraga," Marcos told residents of Surigao del Sur.

Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua and Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman suggested that the new DepEd secretary should come from the ranks and with a track record.

The educator groups Teachers' Dignity Coalition and Alliance of Concerned Teachers also called on Marcos to choose someone non-partisan and from academe.

As of yesterday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said no officer-in-charge has been named to take the place of Duterte as head of DepEd. Duterte tendered her resignation on Wednesday.

"The effectivity of her resignation will take effect on July 19, so there is no OIC yet," PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a text message.