BAGUIO CITY, June 22, 2022 – Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones reminded field officials to continue committing their service to the poor and marginalized by continuing the mission of the Department of Education (DepEd) during the Philippine Association of Schools Superintendents (PASS), Inc. Annual Convention at Baguio Teachers’ Camp on June 01.

“We have to do justice, especially to those left behind. We have to ensure that the existing and effective DepEd programs are being implemented effectively to provide quality basic education,” Secretary Briones noted.

“Ito ay kabilin-bilinan sa atin ng konstitusyon,” she added.

Sec. Briones also highlighted the importance of the futures of education so that the government could identify the needs and necessities of the education sector in the next few years or decades.

“Gusto ko lang ipagbilin sa inyo itong ating pinakamamahal na Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) na siyang pinakamalaki, pinakamahalaga, pinaka-importante, at pinakamayamang institusyon sa ating pamahalaan,” she said.

The Education Chief likewise pointed out that the Department should have the initiatives to protect the mental health of the learners and teachers amidst all the challenges that the education sector has been facing.

“Paghandaan natin ‘yong mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kabataan. We have to prepare them for the future world that they are about to face,” Briones said.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Field Operations Atty. Revsee Escobedo reported the accomplishments of his strand, which includes the Palarong Pambansa Secretariat, DepEd Employees Associations Coordinating Office, Child Protection Unit, and National Academy of Sports.

Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del B. Pascua urged the next administration to strengthen the assistance of the Department to the field offices and schools, especially on the additional support vehicles, laptops for learners and teachers, and internet accessibility.

In addition, Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn Sevilla pointed out the Department was able to increase the budget utilization and improve the processing of salaries and benefits.

Spearheaded by PASS’ President Rita Riddle, the 400 members of the organization gave tribute to the Secretary of Education for her six-year of service in the Department during the latter part of the program.

END