VICE PRESIDENT and Education Secretary Sara Duterte expressed her full support to teachers saying that they are critical to the success of education.

“They are the lifeblood of the Department of Education. Without our teachers, our mission to carve a better future for our children will fail,” Duterte said during her presentation on Monday of the Basic Education Report 2023 at Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.

“Lagi ko pong sinasabi sa ating mga guro, importante kayo sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan. Kayo ang gumagabay at tumutulong sa ating mga kabataan, sa pagpapanday ng kanilang mga pangarap sa buhay, at pagsa-katuparan ng mga pangarap na ito,” she added.

Duterte said when teachers are fully supported, the quality of education will improve.

She vowed to support teachers to improve their teaching methods.

“We will provide support in terms of innovative, responsive, and inclusive teaching approaches following the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers,” Duterte said.

“We will provide training and other learning and development interventions for school leaders, namely the school heads, supervisors, superintendents, and assistant superintendents, so they can better support our teachers to teach better,” she added.

Duterte also reiterated her position for the removal of non-teaching tasks, provide administrative officers in schools, compensate teachers for unique school challenges, and continuously advocate for additional benefits for our teachers.

DepEd, she added, has reached out to the Department of Health to ensure that teachers and other employees will enjoy free health check-ups.

DepEd is also coordinating with the Government Service Insurance System on the implementation of benefits for the teaching and non-teaching staff.

“We will resolve issues on teachers’ loans, premium remittances, and other benefits. We have committed to meeting at least once a month until all these issues are resolved,” Duterte said.

The DepEd is also looking to provide a free legal assistance facility for teachers on matters concerning loan contracts and obligations.

“To our teachers, we recognize your zeal, integrity, commitment, and passion. And yes, we also recognize your sacrifices. We thank you for your sacrifices,” Duterte said.