VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday urged students to exert efforts and focus on their education since this will be the key to a better future.

Speaking before students and teachers in Dinalupihan Elementary School in Bataan on the opening of classes, Duterte-Carpio reminded learners that their determination could change their lives.

“Hindi ang inyong mga magulang, hindi ang paaralan, hindi ang inyong mga guro ang magpapabago ng buhay ninyo. Kayo at ang inyong determinasyon ang magpapabago ng buhay ninyo,” she said.

“Pagtuunan ninyo ng pansin ang sariling buhay ninyo, ang pag-aaral ninyo,” she added.

The DepEd chief appealed to students to be respectful of their fellow students.

“Maging magalang kayo sa inyong mga classmates, sa inyong mga schoolmates, lalong-lalo na yung mga mayroong kapansanan,” Duterte said.