The United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) has recognized the Department of Education (DepEd) for its outstanding service in continuously educating young people about the UN and supporting its various programs and projects.
The UNAP presented the General Carlos P. Romulo (CPR) award to the DepEd on its 73rd-anniversary celebration last October 24 and in line with the 75th founding anniversary of the UN.
“Under her (Secretary Leonor Magtolis-Briones) leadership, DepEd had been the most successful, actively participating in several youth day celebrations. We are very optimistic that with the presence of the UN, and at the same time, local representatives of the education and Congress, we can forge ahead and create new innovative ways that can bridge the gap,” UNAP President Amelia Reyes said in a press release issued on Thursday.
Reyes said this way, “the sustainable development of mothering the earth, mothering the church, mothering individuals can bring back a more cohesive integrated as well as collaborative efforts in bringing about this entire concern of world peace.”
Briones was thankful for the award, noting the UN’s support for DepEd’s initiatives towards learning continuity.
“It is an honor to me now as Secretary of the Department of Education to receive this award named in honor of perhaps one of the greatest Filipinos ever produced by our country. Whether personally or institutionally, the United Nations has always been part of my life worth, my professional commitments, and as it is in the lives of many of our distinguished leaders and personalities in the country,” she said in her message.
Briones said UN organizations have strongly supported the continuity of education and have provided the country with global studies on the dangers and threats of stopping the process of education.
She cited the active participation of DepEd in UN programs that tackle population issues and trends; HIV/AIDS awareness, protection, and prevention; the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke; and matters concerning drugs.
According to UNAP, the CPR award is presented to organizations or individuals who have made Filipinos proud in their diverse achievements, personally and professionally, and have contributed to world peace and development.
During the awarding, education partners shared significant updates on education and its relevance to the challenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) health crisis.
Rep. Roman Romulo, chair of the House of Representatives’ committee on basic education, said they have spearheaded the passage of laws that would strengthen the character of the country’s youth.
“One of these is Republic Act No. 11476, the Good Manners and Right Conduct and Values Education Act,” Romulo said. “Through these measures, the basic tenets of good manners and right conduct such as caring for oneself, having concern for others, upholding respect to people, upholding discipline order, and cultivating honesty, obedience, and above all, love for country will be reinforced to our youth.”
He added that as “Gen. Romulo continues to serve as an inspiration to many of us, let us continue to talk about his life and writings to the Filipino youth.” (PNA)
