New Education Secretary Mona Valisno, on her first day of work Monday, assured the nation that she has no plans of altering the smooth preparation of teachers rendering services in the May 10 national elections, and vowed to push the Department of Education (DepEd)’s plans and programs according to their set time-frame.
In her acceptance speech at the turnover, she made it clear that all programs and policies that former DepEd secretary Jesli Lapus left will be implemented according to schedule.
Valisno brushed aside speculations that the change in leadership could adversely affect the May 10 elections and the continuity of current programs and resolution of issues on certain Magna Carta for Teachers provisions.
She stressed she has no plans of altering any preparations in the May polls, least jeopardize the smooth flow of election activities. She has also no intentions of obstructing any party list whose goal is to look after the benefit of teachers or educators.
As regards certain provisions in the Magna Carta for Teachers, Valisno said she needs to be briefed on the status of all the negotiations, dialogues, and agreements that have been reached and the next steps that have to be pursued.
“The President and I have always acknowledged how important teachers are, so we understand the plight of teachers, we sympathize with them, and promise to take care of their concerns,” Valisno emphasized.
Instead of spreading baseless humors, Valisno encouraged everyone to help DepEd realize its objective of helping Filipino children, especially the poor, realize their dreams though education. Education is the best social equalizer, “ito ang mabisang paraan para makaahon sa kahirapan,” she said.
Being the foundation of education, basic education under the care of DepEd, therefore, plays a crucial role for our children’s education as it carries the huge task of uplifting the lives of poor children so they can be productive and responsible citizen someday, she added.
She added that the Arroyo administration places great emphasis on the important role of education giving it one of the biggest shares in the national budget, representing about 29-percent and singled out the priority for the basic education with DepEd having 95 percent of the total budget for education.
Source: Manila Bulletin, March 16, 2010