VICE President Sara Duterte-Carpio on Thursday said that the pandemic was “no match” to the government’s commitment in ensuring educational continuity and quality.

In her speech during the 49th commencement exercises of the Emilio Aguinaldo College in Cavite, Duterte said determination and resiliency were crucial to the success of the education sector amid the pandemic.

“The pandemic was no match for the collective resolve of the Philippine government and all education stakeholders, who ensured that Filipino learners continue to have access to education,” she said.

“You — the graduates, the parents, the school, the Emilio Aguinaldo College community — you embody Filipino resiliency and the indomitable will to overcome difficult times,” she added.

The Education chief reminded the graduates on the importance of being resilient.

“Life will never be easy. When faced with a problem, you sit down and think about the options and the solutions. Never give up,” she said.

She praised the 400 graduates of EAC for taking on the challenge of attending classes during the pandemic.

“You are the living proof of our country’s first attempt at producing graduates with 21st-century education — equipped with life, career, learning and innovation, and communication and information technology skills,” she said.

“Hard work brought you here today, and hard work tags along with incredible opportunities that will bring pride and glory to you, your family, and your communities,” she added.

The Vice President asked the graduates to “serve, protect, and love our motherland.”