THE DEPARTMENT of Education pledged to give priority to the proposals and suggestions of student leaders in addressing challenges in the education sector.

During the Student Parliamentarians’ Virtual Town Hall Meeting held via Microsoft Teams, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that she will forward the suggestions of the student parliamentarians to the concerned DepEd offices for their consideration in crafting policies and interventions for learners’ benefits.

“Itong resolusyon na ito ay i-pass on ko sa ating School Health Division, which works very closely with the Department of Health. Sang-ayon ako right now [sa proposals ninyo]. Maraming mga programa ngayon ang ini-initiate ng Department of Education kung saan tinutulungan ang teachers [at] ang kabataan [regarding their problems],” Briones said.

“All of you have to work on these problems with the help of your teachers, professional groups,of your parents, and for those of you who belong to particular faith groups. Everyone has problems, and you have to face them, and we will do everything we can to help you,” the DepEd chief added.

With the theme “Batas, Hustisya, at Karangalan: Kabataang Pilipino, may Makabayang Paninindigan Gamit ang Puso, Galing, at Talino,” the virtual forum became the platform of learners to present the Committees’ other Educational Policy and Legislation Proposals.

The program allowed students to raise various concerns of the Filipino youth.

Briones fielded the numerous queries from the student leaders to further emphasize the initiatives and interventions of the  Education department in assisting the learners and teachers.

“Ang edukasyon ay responsibilidad ng buong komunidad. Department of Education and Health are specifically mandated to provide certain services [to learners],” she said.