PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte lauded Education Secretary Leonor Briones for her dedication in advancing reforms in basic education.

“Alam ko ‘yung fervor mo sa edukasyon ng mga batang Pilipino and I have always relied on your wisdom to do what is next, kung anong gagawin. That is splendid work done by you to further the cause of education,” Duterte said during the “Talk To The People” briefing over the weekend.

The President acknowledged Briones’ commitment to the education sector and her genuine concern for Filipino learners.

“Hindi talaga rin ako nagkamali sa pagkuha sa’yo. I knew that you would be of great help to the education of the Filipino young people. And again, I thank you also for your dedication,” he told Briones.

She thanked the President for trusting her and for supporting her decisions and vision for the Education department.

“We are grateful to President Duterte for recognizing our efforts and work in DepEd. Your constant affirmations help us boost the morale of the whole Department from our top officials to our regional directors, school heads, and teachers on the ground,” Briones said.

She shared that one of her major contributions is strengthening regional offices by giving them the authority to decide based on their analysis of the situation on the ground.

“We have to decentralize dahil napakalaki ng Department of Education. The superintendents are empowered. That is our policy, and I think it’s a major contribution of the department that we have developed very strong regional units,” Briones said.