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MANILA, Philippines – As the school reopens, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the department, along with its teachers, is ready to face the challenges of blended learning amid the threat of the coronavirus pandemic, as is national heroes in the past never asked if they were ready for battle.
Briones made the parallel during the Department of Education program, as he declared the official opening of the 2020-2021 school year despite concerns about the country’s readiness to resume classes amid the pandemic.
However, the question is not something Briones would answer for the first time.
“This is a question that is asked often. Lapu-Lapu did not hesitate as he and his men fought and killed the foreign enemy with bamboo spears and bowling against cannons, rifles and cutlasses. Andrés Bonifacio did not wonder if he and his Katipuneros were ready when they broke their cédulas and unleashed the Grito de Balintawak, ”Briones said.
“Diego Silang didn’t ask his wife Gabriela, ‘Are we ready?’ General Luna did not hesitate and asked if he was ready when he led the resistance against the foreign invaders. Nor did Pantaleon Villegas, known as Leon Kilat, when he led the revolutionary movement in Negros Oriental and in Cebu, did not hesitate.
Dagohoy from Bohol did not flinch with fear. The great Sultan Kudarat of Mindanao did not whisper in fear and trembling: ‘Are we ready? When will we be ready? ‘”He added.
Briones said that students should not get stuck in their studies because there are crises or problems that can arise at any time.
“Every day there are new crises, new problems and new deficiencies. Will we wait for you students? ” she said.
(Every day there are new crises and problems. Should we keep the students waiting?)
“I cannot leave you. Your parents are tracking your education. They are abroad, fighting so that you, their children, can receive an education. Workers tax blood and sweat, only you children can study. Your parents They are farmers, fishermen and common staff, they all dream of a better future for you, ”he said.
(We can’t not leave you behind. Your parents are working hard for your education. They are in other countries to work so they can send you to school. The workers shed blood and sweat just so you can study. Your parents, who are farmers, fishermen and workers ordinary: they are those who dream of a good future for you).
The opening of the school year was initially scheduled for August 24, but was moved to October 5 in consideration of the modified enhanced community quarantine previously imposed in Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna. However, private schools were allowed to start classes before the rescheduled date.
According to Briones, DepEd has so far registered more than 24.7 million students who have been enrolled for this school year, representing 89 percent of the 27.85 million students registered last year.
He recalled a message he made to the United Nations two years before the COVID-19 pandemic, where he said: “Whatever happens in the country, whatever challenges we face, education must continue. Education cannot wait, our students cannot wait. We continue with the process to give hope and continuity, and contribute to the normalization of activities in the country ”.
Briones also said the Philippines is claiming a “victory” against COVID-19 by opening the school year amid the pandemic.
“We declare our victory over COVID 19, the Destroyer of our lives and the Destroyer of our economy and our society. But we will not allow COVID-19 to destroy our children’s education and their future, ”he said.
“Today we open our schools. Today, we claim victory over the destroyer (COVID 19). Let our classes begin! “added the Secretary of DepEd.
EDV
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