Marcos Jr. vows quality education in Caraga; no mention of Sara

MANILA, Philippines — As lawmakers and various groups suggested that President Marcos pick a real educator to head the Department of Education (DepEd), the Chief Executive went on with his usual activities yesterday, handing over P158 million to local governments in the Caraga region hit by El Niño.

The giving of assistance was held during Marcaos’ visit to Tandag City in Surigao del Sur and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte.

While the President did not mention anything about resigned education secretary Vice President Sara Duterte during the two sorties, he reiterated the government’s commitment to pursue quality education in one of his speeches.

“You can be sure that we will continue to push for education and health care here in Caraga,” Marcos told residents of Surigao del Sur.

Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua and Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman suggested that the new DepEd secretary should come from the ranks and with a track record.

The educator groups Teachers’ Dignity Coalition and Alliance of Concerned Teachers also called on Marcos to choose someone non-partisan and from academe.

As of yesterday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said no officer-in-charge has been named to take the place of Duterte as head of DepEd. Duterte tendered her resignation on Wednesday.a

“The effectivity of her resignation will take effect on July 19, so there is no OIC yet,” PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a text message.

Yesterday, Marcos distributed P12.48 million in financial aid to Surigao del Sur; P50 million to Agusan del Sur; P46.84 million to Butuan City; P28.26 million to Agusan del Norte; P10.57 million to Surigao del Norte and P10 million to Dinagat Islands.

According to him, the government has released P1.7 billion for the construction of new classrooms and some P453 million for the repair of old classrooms. The government seeks to build 544 new classrooms and repair 704 old classrooms across Caraga.

The Commission on Higher Education, Marcos added, has disbursed some P1.6 billion for various programs, benefitting 176,634 scholars of the region. The government has also disbursed P846.70 million for the Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

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