THE DEPARTMENT of Education reminded learners to appreciate and emulate the traits of national hero Jose Rizal during the virtual 2021 National Students’ Day.

“We should develop within ourselves the same fervor Rizal had instilled in us. The love for country [of Rizal] at an early age was inspirational. We should inculcate his values of discipline, organization, and common sense to young generations of Filipinos,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

The education chief highlighted the learners’ resiliency in adopting to the new normal in education amid the Covid19 pandemic.

“School closures and movement restrictions are disrupting students’ routines and support systems. These led them to navigate the new normal [in education] and the youth have emerged to find hope and ways to become heroes of the pandemic in terms of educating people, tackling misinformation and stigma, and lifting the spirits of the leaders and letting their voices be heard,” Briones said.

Meanwhile, Education Undersecretary for Administration Alain Pascua said that the department strives hard to provide the best kind of education for learners.

“All your efforts and hard work inspire us in the Department of Education to continue doing our best in providing you the kind of education you need and deserve to succeed in life. Kayo ang isasa mga pinaka-masigasig na kabataan sa buong mundo,” Pascua said.

“Kaya naman kami rito sa DepEd, through our various platforms, programs, and initiatives, we will continue to advocate for student empowerment, inculcating the values of nationhood, and social responsibility to all learners nationwide,” he added.