The incoming education leadership, under Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio, must continue pursuing education equity for all learners, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones said on Monday.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, Briones cited the Duterte administration’s legacy of expanding opportunities for learners under the Alternative Learning System and the Last Mile Schools Program.

“This is truly expanded, the budget of the Department of Education became higher because this was given additional support by President (Rodrigo) Duterte, this alternative learning system. I presented this (in London), the alternative learning system and the second program, the Last Mile Schools Program – these are schools in far-flung areas, islands, mountains that are remote, very much lacking in facilities, etc,” she said in mixed English and Filipino.

Briones said these programs are reaching the educationally-deprived individuals, regardless of age and distance.

She said they are ready for a smooth transition with Duterte-Carpio, targeting June 20 to 30 as the scheduled turnover with their respective transition teams.

“I also need to have a one-on-one with VP Sara or incoming Secretary Sara, so she can be briefed on the different challenges and issues faced by the DepEd,” she noted.

Briones added they are ready to give their medium-term plan, which hugely includes learning digitization, needed for the country’s “catch-up” to the international setup.

“We are looking forward to a discussion of our medium-term plan, because our plans are three-year, six-year (plans). But we also have a plan up to the year 2030 and I am very, very sure that the incoming Secretary of Education is open-minded,” she said.

Meanwhile, benefits for teachers should also be given priority, according to the DepEd. (PNA)