Presumptive Vice President Sara Duterte has vowed to look after the welfare of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) teaching and non-teaching personnel once she assumes office in July this year.

In a speech during the oath-taking of Davao Occidental elected officials Friday, Duterte expressed concern about the status of some teachers who are “deep in debt” due to the presence of loan sharks within the agency.

“That is the sad reality for our teachers. I saw it when I was the mayor of Davao City,” said Duterte, the incoming DepEd secretary.

Mayor Sara narrated that a teacher who is not from Davao City approached her office and asked for help regarding her loan.

She said she was saddened upon knowing the educator only received a salary of PHP1,000 per month as the huge portion of her income went to her loans.

“They were enticed by companies who offered them loans. They were paying big interest rates,” Duterte said.

She pointed out that such a dilemma affects the work of the teachers.

“That is where the sad story is. How you can expect the teachers to work religiously if they are confronted with such a problem,” she said.

Duterte expressed concern that teachers bombarded with personal problems could affect the quality of instruction in schools.

“I only have six years to work with you and to improve your welfare and the quality of education in our country,” Duterte said.

“I am soliciting your support that we may come up with something concrete to improve the welfare of the teaching and non-teaching staff of the DepEd, and see a better country with learners that are disciplined and patriotic,” Duterte said.

She also reiterated her commitment to producing skilled learners during her stint as DepEd secretary. (PNA)