Department of Education (DepEd) and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte assured on Wednesday the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) commitment to use its 2024 budget, amounting to PHP2.395 billion in its programs that continue to improve Filipinos’ lives.

In a statement, Duterte also commended Davao De Oro Rep. Maricar Zamora for sponsoring the proposed budget during the House of Representatives budget deliberations.

“The OVP is committed to serve and bring programs and projects with meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of Filipinos in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,” Duterte said.

“We thank Rep. Maricar Zamora of Davao de Oro Province for representing the OVP as the lead budget sponsor — upholding the OVP’s mandate to serve the Filipinos and the country as the second-highest office of the land,” she added.

Defending the OVP proposed budget, Zamora emphasized Duterte’s mandate in assisting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and assuming his position whenever he is out of the country while also serving as the Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).

She also cited the various programs of the OVP that address gaps in the society and calamity response.

“The OVP is evolving in its efforts to make it more relevant and relatable to our citizens. Its aspiration as an institution that is responsive and active in meeting the requirements of our communities is tied directly to its mandate of service beyond succession,” Zamora said.

She also defended the 2024 proposed budget of the DepEd and its attached agencies amounting to PHP758.595 billion. (PNA)