VP Sara asks private schools’ cooperation for continuity of education

The office of the vice president(OVP) in a report said, Duterte in a virtual meeting with members of thePrivate Educational Associations, today (Monday), said the government hopes to come up with appropriate actions and effective solutions to help the private schools as she also asked for their collaboration in resolving the issues confronting the education sector.

In said meeting Duterte noted that several private schools shut down and some are facing closure due to losses resulting from the pandemic.  She told the group that the education sector needs to be restored. “As a community, there is an urgent need to build back, stronger and better,” the OVP report quoted Duterte.

The vice president assured the group she is currently working on her commitment as Secretary of Education to ensure a continuity of education despite the challenges.  “I ask for your indulgence as I also expect your support as we study and explore the appropriate measures to resolve issues and concerns that may adversely impact the education sector,” she said.

She said the migration of students from private schools to public schools caused strain to the public schools.  

Tens of thousands of families lost their jobs due to the pandemic which led a number of parents to transfer their children to public schools.  The migration caused significant revenue losses on private schools forcing them to shut down.

In the same manner, the Department of Education, she said, needs the help of the private schools in responding to the COVID-induced education crisis. “Now that we are finally ready to open the  doors to face-to-face classes, we need the help of our private schools in bringing our children and youth back to school,” Duterte said.

She emphasized that students both from private and public schools throughout the country deserve quality education.

“Our task here is clear — it is to protect our children and ensure that quality education is made accessible for them — whether they are enrolled in private or public schools, whether they are in the cities or the countryside,” she said.

Representatives from different private schools meet virtually for the first time with Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte (3rd from L) to discuss the state of the education sector amid the health crisis. Photo from DepEd.