Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte on Monday welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s unremitting support to recent reforms introduced by the Department of Education (DepEd) into the academic system.

Duterte cited Marcos’ approval of the DepEd’s MATATAG Agenda, which she described to be beneficial not only for learners but also for the teaching and non-teaching staff of the department.

“Matatag” involves making the curriculum relevant to produce competent and job-ready, active, and responsible citizens; taking steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education facilities and services, including plans to build more resilient schools and classrooms in 2023 and around 6,000 classrooms; taking good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusive education, and a positive learning environment; and giving support to teachers to teach better.

“I am truly grateful for President Ferdinand Marcos [Jr.] and his leadership marked with decisiveness, strength, fortitude, and political will — clearly demonstrated over the past year in office,” Duterte said.

Duterte said the President’s kind of leadership inspires government officials “more aggressive in delivering what we have promised to the Filipino people.”

Also, the vice-president lauded Marcos’ strong commitment to continuing progress in the southern Philippines.

“As a Mindanaoan, I am pleased to hear his administration’s development agenda for Mindanao,” Duterte said.

“It offers us hope and a deep sense of optimism that the efforts to stamp out terrorism and the peace-building initiatives of the past administrations are strengthened to bring about meaningful development for the region and its people,” she added.

Duterte said the same hope and optimism “resound across the country” with the implementation of the administration’s socio-economic agenda, providing security to vulnerable sectors — such as farmers and fisherfolk.

She thanked Marcos “for reminding us of our obligation to our country — an obligation contained in the contract we signed with the Filipino people in the 2022 election.”

During the President’s second State of the Nation Address, Duterte paid tribute to the Maguindanao community by wearing their traditional Moro dress called “Bangala” featuring “Inaul” weaving culture — patterned with some gold accessories — symbolizing wealth and abundance of Mindanao’s natural resources.

“Inaul” is a Maguindanao fabric intricately handwoven using cotton and silk. It is a treasured cultural gem that profoundly reflects the pride, bravery, heritage, and history of the people of Maguindanao.

Duterte previously wore a traditional “Bagobo Tagabawa” dress when Marcos delivered his first SONA last year. (PNA)