By Alec Go
The Department of Education (DepEd) underscored the need for inclusive and equitable quality education as it celebrated the International Day of Education (IDE) on Tuesday, Jan. 24.
The celebration included the presentation initiatives to carry out the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 4 or the Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education.
“This year’s theme ‘To Invest in People, Prioritize Education’ affirms that the new administration is on the right track,” Vice President and DepEd chief Sara Duterte said, citing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s remarks at the UN Summit about recovering learning losses from the pandemic for a more inclusive, relevant education system that is resilient to future shocks.
Duterte said the increased education budget for 2023 marks the start of the commitment to invest more on education and for a “future-ready workforce.”
“With increased investments also comes the responsibility to invest equitably, efficiently, and innovatively,” she noted.
The vice president also called on local government units with higher budgets to increase their investment in education.
“Let us work together to ensure that our education system empowers our young people to navigate lives, challenges with 21st century skills, resilience, leadership, and strength of character as they join us in reshaping and rebuilding a better and stronger Philippines,” she said.
The DepED said the celebration primarily aims to show the importance of prioritizing education to meet SDGs.
The international celebration was also joined by United Nations Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres; Director of UNESCO Office, Jakarta Mr. Mohamed Djelid; and SEAMEO Research, Evaluation, at Assessment Specialist Dr. Kamaleswaran Jayarajah. – gb
