VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte called on local government units to invest in and prioritize the implementation of better education programs.

“Importante po ang edukasyon at importante na ang ating mga anak ay makapag-aral at makakuha ng maayos na edukasyon,” Duterte said during the 23rd Banigan Festival Opening Program at the Libertad Municipal Plaza in Antique.

“May I enjoin our parents who are here today to keep your children and youth in school or learning technical skills no matter the challenges,” she added.

Duterte said education is the ticket for a secure and better future.

The Vice President also stressed the need to keep children away from illegal drugs and recruitment of the New People’s Army.

“Importante din na matiyak natin na ang ating mga anak ay malayo po sa landas ng ilegal na droga at sa landas ng insurhensiya. Ang illegal drugs at ang New People’s Army ay parehong sisira sa kinabukasan ng ating mga anak,” Duterte said.

“May responsibilidad tayo bilang mga magulang na protektahan ang ating mga anak mula sa salot na illegal drugs at NPA. Magiging mas maunlad ang ating bayan kung masusugpo natin ang problema sa ilegal na druga at insurhensiya ng NPA,” she added.