July 4, 11-12am
Via Zoom

Assalamualaikum. Maayong udto. Magandang umaga po sa ating lahat.

Let me thank former Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones and former Undersecretary Tonisito Umali for legislative affairs, external partnerships, project management service, and private education office for making this virtual meeting possible and for taking the time to bridge the relationship between my office and the private educational associations of the Philippines.

I have heard the messages from three of our representatives of the National Private Education Associations. I have taken notes. And would like to assure you that we will take these issues into consideration — with the hope of coming up with appropriate actions and effective solutions.

We are still reeling from the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic, and while the Department of Education continues to provide basic education to our children in the public school sector, the effect of the pandemic on low-cost private schools was unprecedented.

I understand that many private schools across the country are suffering from losses. Some private schools are facing closure. And a number have in fact already shut down.

As a community, there is an urgent need to build back and build back stronger and better. The migration of students from private to public schools has put enormous strain on our public schools.

Now that we are finally ready to open the doors to face-to-face classes, we need the help of our private schools in bringing our children and youth back to school.

While we have existing measures under the enhanced basic education act, or republic act 10533, these measures were created before the pandemic.

I ask for your indulgence as I also expect your support as we study and explore the appropriate measures to resolve issues and concerns that may adversely impact the education sector.

Our task here is to protect our children and ensure that quality education is made accessible for them — whether they are enrolled in private or public schools, whether they are in the cities or the countryside.

We look forward to forging a productive partnership with you.

Daghang salamat. Mabuhay kayong lahat.