VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday stressed the need to “build back better” and to help private schools as she officially took the helm at the Department of Education.

“As a community, there is an urgent need to build back, and build back stronger and better,” she said.

She sought the support of education stakeholders to ensure the sector will be stronger and better as the country recovers from the effects of the pandemic.

“I ask for your indulgence as I also expect your support as we study and explore the appropriate measures to resolve issues and concerns that may adversely impact the education sector,” Duterte said in a virtual meeting with the Private Educational Associations on Monday.

“Our task here is clear: it is to protect our children and ensure that quality education is made accessible for them, whether they are enrolled in private or public schools, whether they are in the cities or the countryside,” she added.

Duterte-Carpio said the government should assist private schools as the migration of students to public schools has “put [an] enormous strain” on public schools.

Former DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones thanked the Vice President for expressing support for DepEd’s existing programs such as the Last Mile Program and Education Futures Program.

“We’re turning over to our beloved secretary of DepEd, VP Sara, an organization which has persevered in spite of and because of Covid19,” Briones said.

“We’re turning over to you an institution which has persevered, survived and I am very sure will help create a great future for our learners,” she added.