STRESSING the importance of education, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio urged parents to force their children to go to school, saying that education will “liberate” them.

“Education is a liberating force. I cannot overemphasise to all adults here in Mindanao — we should force our children to go to school,” Duterte-Carpio said during the Hinugyaw Festival in Koronadal City in South Cotabato.

She gave assurances that her department has enhanced measures to protect the welfare of children.

“The Department of Education is implementing a stronger child protection mechanism in our school communities – another layer of defense against the recruitment and exploitation of children and youth,” she said.

The Education secretary also stressed the need to keep communities safe, so that residents can be free from fear and violence.

“While our government armed forces are working hard to weed out these groups and keeping civilian Filipinos safe, we must ensure that we do our share to protect our peace and order and keep our communities free from fear and violence,” Duterte-Carpio said.