VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte recognized the Department of Education’s partners for their invaluable contribution and support to realizing the MATATAG Agenda.

“To our partners, thank you for your unending support that complements our goals and aspirations for the Philippine basic education. May you continue investing in the dreams of Filipino children, as they will soon be part of our workforce that will contribute to the development of our nation,” Duterte said in her message during the Partners’ Recognition and Appreciation program at the Government Service Insurance System Theater in Pasay City.

Duterte led the awarding of plaques to more than 170 partners composed of national embassies, non-government organizations, research institutes, and private sector organizations.

She also acknowledged the partners’ support during last year’s Brigada Eskwela Program, where they contributed to ensuring that learners will have conducive and functional schools.

“With your interventions and with the help of our volunteers, we were able to welcome back our learners in an enabling learning environment,” she added.

Moreover, Duterte likewise thanked all partners who provided resources in the recent celebration of the National Teachers’ Month held in Butuan and Bohol.

“Another bayanihan is the celebration of National Teachers’ Month last year, as we came together to provide teachers with the recognition and support they deserve. Thank you for allowing our teachers to enjoy the perks that will give them time to relax and enjoy their day outside their school responsibilities through free museum or exhibit passes, store discounts, services, and others,” Duterte said.

Duterte also called for partners’ continuous support in the key intervention programs for the welfare of teachers and learners.

“All of these interventions will be accompanied by a more robust delivery of appropriate guidelines and basic education services to respond to the needs of our stakeholders. We have more commitments for the teachers and learners, and we do not want to disappoint them,” she said.