By Junex Doronio
MANILA — “Unahin natin ang Pilipinas.”
This was the terse declaration of Vice President Sara Duterte to the call of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos who said the country’s second-highest official should apologize for being caught on camera laughing in a rally where former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte called President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as “bangag,” or in English, intoxicated.
The First Lady stressed that there’s no chance for her relationship with VP Sara to be mended unless the latter apologizes.
“Mga kababayan, bilang tao, karapatan ni Unang Ginang Liza Marcos na makaramdam ng sama ng loob at galit. Subalit ang kanyang personal na damdamin ay walang kinalaman sa aking mandato bilang isang opisyal ng pamahalaan,” the Vice President said in a video statement uploaded online Monday (22 April 2024).
Last week, the First Lady said VP Duterte is a “bad shot” for her after attending a supposed prayer rally in Davao City where the President was derided as “bangag” by FPRRD.
Instead of apologizing, VP Sara said everyone should be focused on addressing the country’s problems on rising prices of basic goods, hunger, as well as the supposed proliferation of illegal drugs.
The feisty VP said she will have a private meeting with PBBM to discuss the next steps that need to be taken to move on.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday (April 22, 2024) said that the sentiments of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos do not affect her mandate.
Duterte-Carpio was reacting to the statement of the First Lady, saying that her relationship with the former has soured.
“Mga kababayan, bilang tao, karapatan ni Unang Ginang Liza Marcos na makaramdam ng sama ng loob at galit,” Duterte-Carpio said.
“Subalit ang kanyang personal na damdamin ay walang kinalaman sa aking mandato bilang isang opisyal ng pamahalaan,” she added.
The Vice President also said that she would have a private conversation with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. regarding the matter.
“Upang makausad tayo, iiwan na natin sa isang pribadong pag-uusap sa pagitan lamang namin ni Pangulong “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ang mga susunod na hakbang.”
Earlier, the First Lady said that she was hurt after former president Rodrigo Duterte’s statement, calling the President “bangag” (intoxicated).
“When she went to Davao, [Rodrigo] Duterte said o ‘bangag, bangag di ba.’ Imagine a former president calling ano bangag. Wow ‘yung 6 years why would you call ano bangag di ba and then the camera panned on her (VP Sara) tumatawa,” she said during a political gathering.
“Bad shot na ‘yan (VP Sara) sa akin, unless she says sorry or whatever. She crossed the line,” the First said in an exclusive interview with Ka Tunying (Anthony Taberna).
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Concerned that the extreme heat will adversely affect the students, the Department of Education (DepEd) has announced that over 7,000 schools suspended face-to-face classes due to extreme heat as Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte said that there was no need for schools to implement make-up classes for the disrupted face-to-face classes.
On Friday (12 April 2024), Maharlika NuMedia learned that more than 7,000 schools in different parts of the country have suspended in-person classes and shifted to alternative delivery modes due to the threat of extreme hot weather brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.
The DepEd said a total of 7,080 of the 47,678 schools in the country (14.8%) announced suspensions of face-to-face classes.
It revealed that most of the affected schools are in Central Luzon with 1,903, followed by Central Visayas with 870 and Western Visayas with 862.
In the National Capital Region (NCR), 311 schools suspended face-to-face classes.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio encouraged Filipino Muslims to embrace humility, forgiveness, deepen their faith, and uphold the teachings of the Quran as she joined them in their celebration.
In her Eid al-Fitr message, Duterte-Carpio also expressed gratitude for their dedication and faith, which serve as inspiration to others.
“Nawa’y patuloy nating isabuhay ang mga aral ng Qur’an at ni Propetang Muhammad, at itaguyod ang kabutihan sa ating kapwa,” she stated.
“Sa kabila ng ating pagkakaiba, ang pagkakaisa, paggalang, at pagmamahal sa ating bansa ay napakahalaga,” the Vice President emphasized.
Filipino Muslims celebrate Eid’l Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, on Wednesday (April 10, 2024).
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. declared this day a holiday to “the entire Filipino nation to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Apparently affected by the confidential funds controversy and her silence on China’s aggressive acts in the West Philippine Sea, Vice President Sara Duterte is now overtaken by veteran hard-hitting journalist and now Senator Raffy Tulfo as the top presidential contender for 2028.
This was revealed on Sunday (31 March 2024) based on a Pulse Asia survey showing Tulfo ahead by a hairline one percent over VP Sara who is also the concurrent Education Secretary.
Results of the poll conducted from March 6 to 10, 2024 showed that 35% of the respondents will vote for “idol” Tulfo as president if the 2028 elections were to be held during the survey period.
Inday Sara — as the Vice President is popularly known — was the choice for president of 34% of respondents.
Trailing behind in the presidential survey was former Vice President Leni Robredo with 11%, followed by Senator Imee Marcos with 5%, former senator Manny Pacquiao with 3%, and Senators Robinhood Padilla and Risa Hontiveros, who got 2% and 1%, respectively.
Also mentioned by the respondents as potential presidential candidates they will likely vote in 2028 were: House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, President Rodrigo Duterte, and former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that the decline of Inday Sara’s popularity could be attributed to the controversy generated by her proposed P650 million total of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) which were eventually realigned by the House of Representatives under Romualdez’s leadership and her continued silence on the aggressive acts of China in the West Philippine Sea.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio emphasized that she did not intend to issue an official statement on the anniversary of the EDSA Revolution last Sunday (25 February 2024) and consequently removed a previous post on her social media page.
“What I stated in 2017 regarding the February 25 EDSA anniversary has remained unchanged. My stance remains consistent today,” Duterte-Carpio stated.
“I did not plan to release a statement this year, just as I didn’t last year. Therefore, I have taken down the EDSA anniversary post from my social media page,” she elaborated.
The Vice President expressed her hope that her clarification would “put the matter to rest.”
Duterte-Carpio urged Filipinos to continue embodying the EDSA spirit and advocating for what is just in her now-deleted post.
“As we commemorate this significant occasion, let us reflect on the lessons of EDSA—the potency of unity, the resilience of the Filipino character, and the imperative of standing up for righteousness,” she remarked.
“Happy EDSA anniversary to all Filipinos; may we persist in upholding the essence of EDSA in all our endeavors,” she concluded.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Three days after she issued a statement extolling the spirit of the EDSA People Power Revolution only to be mysteriously deleted later, Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday (27 Feb 2024) explained that she did not intend to issue one for the 38th anniversary of the mass uprising that ended the 20-year regime of the first Marcos administration.
“I did not intend to issue a statement this year as I did not the previous year. Because of this, I removed the EDSA anniversary post from my social media page,” VP Duterte said in a statement.
She also underscored that her 2017 position on the EDSA revolution anniversary remains as is.
“What I said in 2017 regarding the February 25 EDSA anniversary has never changed. My position remains the same today,” Inday Sara — as the Vice President is popularly known — quipped.
It can be recalled that the then-Davao City mayor Sara Duterte stated in 2017 that: “I find it hard to understand why this bloodless revolution has become the standard definition of freedom for our country and this standard is forced down our throats by a certain group of individuals who think they are better than everyone else.”
But in a now-deleted post on the 38th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, VP Sara urged Filipinos to continue upholding the EDSA spirit and to stand up for what is right.
“On this day, we commemorate the brave souls who stood united on the streets of Edsa, fighting for democracy and freedom. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us remember the lessons of EDSA—the power of unity, the strength of the Filipino spirit, and the importance of standing up for what is right,” she said in the message that has since been deleted.
Many citizens can only react to VP Duterte’s apparent inconsistency: “Ano ba yan, Inday?”
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Just like a very smart poker player, Vice President Sara Duterte keeps her cards close to her chest regarding her plans for the 2025 midterm elections or 2028 presidential polls.
On Monday (12 February 2024), she said her plans for the next elections are still “unpredictable” as of this time.
“Ang sinasabi ko lagi ay ang pulitika ay parang buhay lang iyan, hindi mo alam kung anong mangyayari bukas,” she told reporters.
It can be recalled that in a speech at an event in Barangay Bago Gallera, Davao City in January, Inday Sara — as the Vice President is popularly known — announced that she would run for public office in 2025.
She cited her reason that her brothers, Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, had already indicated they might not run for office again.
Now the feisty Vice President neither confirmed nor denied what her plans are in the 2025 midterm elections.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that VP Duterte is adopting her old man’s playbook, referring to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who kept everyone guessing if he would run or not for president in 2016 until the 11th hour.
With that tack, he was able to capture the national imagination or gain mass appeal that the foul-mouthed Davao City mayor eventually ran and captured the highest position of the land.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Trust and performance ratings of Marcos and Duterte have shown a significant rebound in the fourth quarter, as reported by OCTA Research Tuesday (06 Feb 2024).
According to the latest Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from December 10 to 14, 2023, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. saw a notable increase in trust, with a 76 percent rating, marking a three-percentage point rise from the previous quarter. Only eight percent expressed distrust, with 17 percent remaining undecided.
Marcos’s trust ratings surged across various regions, including the National Capital Region (NCR), Balanced Luzon, and Visayas, although there was a slight decline in Mindanao. Notably, he experienced a remarkable 16 percent increase in trust within the ABC class.
Similarly, Vice President Sara Duterte’s trust rating climbed to 77 percent, a modest increase from the 75 percent recorded in the third quarter. With only five percent expressing distrust and 18 percent undecided, her trust ratings exhibited positive growth in Balanced Luzon and Mindanao, albeit showing a slight decrease in NCR and the Visayas.
SP Zubiri
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s trust ratings rose by two percentage points to 59 percent, while Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez saw a four percentage point increase to 64 percent. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo’s trust rating also showed a slight increase, reaching 23 percent from the previous survey.
In terms of performance, Marcos’s rating surged by six percentage points to 71 percent, bolstered by gains in the Visayas, Balanced Luzon, and NCR. Similarly, Duterte’s performance rating increased by five percentage points to 75 percent, driven by improvements in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Zubiri’s performance rating saw a slight uptick to 60 percent, while Romualdez’s rating climbed by four percentage points to 65 percent. However, Gesmundo’s performance rating experienced a slight decline to 18 percent, with 71 percent of respondents remaining undecided.
The survey, which involved 1,200 respondents, carries a margin of error of plus or minus three percent nationwide.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that the UniTeam remains despite the criticisms that the President is getting from the father of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
When asked about his relationship with the Vice President given the attacks made against him by her family, the President said their relationship remains the same.
“Well, it’s exactly the same because she has – of that nature. And, wala naman siyang sinasabi na ganyang klase. So, hindi naman nagbabago,” Marcos said.
The President also emphasized that his “UniTeam” with Vice President Duterte is still intact.
I believe so because if you remember ‘Uniteam’ is not just one party or two parties or three parties. It’s the unification of all political, hopefully, all political forces in the Philippines to come together for the good country,” the Chief Executive said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — It’s not rocket science not to be able to comprehend that Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Zimmerman Duterte wanted President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to resign so that his sister Vice President Sara Duterte could take over the country’s top post.
This, in essence, was former Akbayan party-list Rep. Barry Gutierrez was driving at when he questioned on Tuesday Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense that her younger brother only made the “resign PBBM” dare out of “brotherly love.”
“Excuse me po, pero huwag natin kalimutan na kapag nasunod ang kapatid mo, ikaw bigla ang Presidente. Wow lang, diba?” said Gutierrez in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Under the rules of succession in the 1987 Constitution, the vice president will take over if the president resigns.
“Hindi yan ‘brotherly love’ kundi ‘blatant self-interest’,” Gutierrez pointed out.
In a rally last Sunday (January 28), Baste called on Marcos Jr. to resign, expressing dismay with his alleged laziness and uncaring leadership.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Like a sore thumb, Vice President Sara Duterte’s stay in the Cabinet of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. is no longer tenable.
This is according to Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares who, on Monday (29 Jan 2024), said VP Sara should resign following the word war between PBBM and former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
“It’s her choice, and it’s President Marcos’ choice. Ang sinasabi ko lang naman, how can you maintain your position in the Cabinet after your father and your brother called your principal (out) for being a drug addict and at the same time dapat mag-resign,” Colmenares said.
On Sunday (January 28) in a Davao City rally, FPRRD assailed Marcos Jr. and accused him of being a drug user while Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte spewed expletives at the President and dared him to resign.
However, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the President was “never on our watch list.”
On Monday, Marcos Jr. shot back, saying the elder Duterte’s tirade may have been prompted by the effects of fentanyl, a powerful painkiller that Duterte admitted in 2016 he used to take for a motorcycling injury.
“Para sa akin, the Vice President cannot continue to be a part of the Cabinet ni President Marcos… Hindi na yan tenable na mag-stay ka pa dyan. What will you do in Cabinet meetings? Puwede ba yun, wala nang tiwala sayo ang buong gabinete?” Colmenares stressed.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio vowed to join the kick off Bagong Pilipinas in Quirino Granstand on Sunday 28 Jan 2024) together with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Kaisa ang buong Department of Education sa pagsusulong ng 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda ng Marcos administration para sa pagbabago ng buhay ng mga Pilipino,” Duterte-Carpio said.
She said that she has attended the prayer rally of different sectors in Davao City against supposed people’s initiative for Charter change.
“Mahalagang makita at maintindihan natin ang panganib na nakaamba sa atin oras na tuluyan nating isinuko ang ating Saligang Batas sa kamay ng mga taong may personal at politikal na interes,” Duterte-Carpio said.
Davao Third District Councilor Conrado Baluran earlier said that over 50,000 individuals were expected to attend the prayer rally.
“Together with the calling for every Filipino people to participate in this greater cause for a nationwide campaign, Davao City will remain resilient and will not just stand aside as an observer but shall take part continuously striving to unite for one nation, one strong opposition,” Baluran said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — It’s just a text or phone call away between BFF (best friends forever), but it’s seemingly not the case between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte with regards to the latter’s 2025 election plans.
On Wednesday, the feisty Vice President said she has yet to discuss her election plans with PBBM.
“Hindi pa po kami nakakapag-usap ni President Marcos about elections,” Duterte said when asked by reporters in a chance interview.
The Vice President said this in reaction to her 2022 UniTeam running mate’s statement that she is “testing the waters” when it comes to her political plans.
Inday Sara — monicker of the Vice President — recently announced in a Davao City event that she’s running for an elective position in next year’s midterm elections after hearing that his brothers Davao City 1st district Representative Paolo “Pulong” Zimmerman Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte would no longer run.
However, she did not reveal what position she would be running for.
Duterte was at the Esteban Abada Elementary School in Quezon City for the launch of the School Mental Health Program and School-Based Feeding Program for 2024.
There have been rumors that the UniTeam no longer exists and that the camps of PBBM and Inday Sara are cutthroat with each other.
Former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV even warned that PBBM is in a “perilous situation” as long as Inday Sara remains Vice President.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In an unexpected political twist, Vice President Sara Duterte has announced that she will run for an elective post in 2025 fueling speculations that she may run for senator and wrest the Senate presidency while former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will return to his old post as Davao City mayor.
This developed as her siblings Davao City’s 1st district Representative Paolo “Pulong” Zimmerman Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte declared that they won’t run for any position in the 2025 midterm elections.
“Narinig ko na ang aking kapatid na sina Mayor Baste at Congressman Pulong, na nagsabi na hindi na tatakbo sa susunod na eleksyon. Kaya narito ako ngayon para mangampanya sa inyo dahil tatakbo ako sa susunod na eleksyon,” Inday Sara revealed in a recent gathering in Davao City.
However, she stopped short in baring what elective position she is aiming for in 2025.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that Inday Sara could be gunning for a Senate seat and then will maneuver to become Senate President in preparation for the Senate becoming an impeachment court in the event of an impeachment case against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr.
If Marcos Jr is convicted and then there’s no more Vice President, Inday Sara as Senate President will take over as acting President by way of succession.
On the other hand, FPRRD may opt to run for Davao City mayor which it could serve as his fortress and he will be untouchable by the International Criminal Court (ICC) even if convicted of his “crimes against humanity” due to the 30,000 victims of extra-judicial killings (EJKs) in the course of the campaign against illegal drugs during his six-year presidency.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Mincing no words, Vice President Sara Duterte has assailed those purportedly involved in buying signatures for Charter change (Cha-Cha) via the People’s Initiative (PI).
Inday Sara — the monicker of the Vice President — stressed that these self-serving individuals, whom she did not name, are exploiting poor Filipinos, disrespecting their decision-making, and disregarding the welfare of the nation.
“Mga kababayan, ang isinasagawang pera kapalit ng pirma para sa People’s Initiative’ ay patuloy na nangyayari araw-araw sa siyudad ng Davao at sa iba pang bahagi ng bansa. Isa itong repleksyon ng pagkahilig ng mga politiko na bumili ng boto tuwing eleksyon. Ito ay pagsasamantala sa kahirapan ng ating mga mamamayan at kawalan ng respeto sa kanilang karapatan na magdesisyon nang malaya, walang takot, o impluwensya gamit ang salapi,” the young Duterte said.
Earlier, Liberal Party (LP) president and Albay Representative Edcel Lagman raised concern that certain politicians were buying voters’ signatures to falsely show there was a People’s Initiative or PI for Cha-Cha.
Presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos also claimed that around P20 million was being offered to local politicians to gather the signatures needed to push Cha-Cha via PI.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Firing the first shot this new year, ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro has lambasted the Department of Education (DepEd) headed by Vice President Sara Duterte for constructing only 2,201 classrooms in 2023.
The House Deputy Minority Leader pointed out that this falls far short of the 165,000 needed and missing the target of 5,000 to 6,000.
“Disyembre 31 na pero 2,201 lang ang nagawa, ni wala sa kalahati ng sarili nilang target tapos may gana pang ipagmalaki na magandang accomplishment daw ito, napakababa naman ng standard ng Kalihim ng DepEd at napakalayo sa bilis nyang gastusin ng P125 milyon ng illegal confidential fund sa loob lamang ng 11 araw noong 2022,” Castro said on Sunday, December 31, 2023.
The national democrat lawmaker was referring to the P125 million confidential funds spent by the Office of the Vice President in the last 11 days of 2022.
“As it is, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vow to prioritize the construction of new classrooms and DepEd Secretary VP Sara Duterte’s recognition of the enormity of shortage in school infrastructure and facilities in her Basic Education Report 2023 appear to be insincere as they failed to demonstrate their firm resolve to cut down the classroom shortage significantly,” Castro hammered on.
She underscored the need to construct 50,000 annually to improve the learning conditions in public schools.
“It had been done and it can be done again if only the current administration were sincere in addressing the classroom crisis as well as the bigger learning crisis,” the ACT Teachers party-list representative stressed.
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — As the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is poised to observe its 55th foundation anniversary on December 26 this year, Vice President Sara Duterte has reiterated her strong resolve to wipe out with military might the Maoist insurgency and thumbed down again any form of peace talks.
In a statement issued Thursday night (December 21), Duterte recognized the “heroism” of Army Sgt. Jernell Ramillano who died during an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) on December 17.
He was reportedly killed during a clash between 2ID troopers and an NPA band in Balayan, Batangas.
Six rebels also died in the fighting.
Lt. Col. Hector Estolas, 2nd ID public affairs chief, said a certain Kyrie/Vince, a vice platoon leader of the SPP Kawing of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee’s Sub-Regional Military Area 4C, was critically wounded and was abandoned by his comrades.
He eventually died.
Two M16 rifles, an M653 rifle, a shotgun, 13 cellphones, and a laptop computer were among the items left behind by fleeing rebels.
2ID commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong praised Ramillano for his bravery and heroism.
The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) which, for nearly 55 years now, has been advocating what it calls the “protracted people’s war” formulated by Mao Zedong in China by “encircling the cities from the countrysides.”
Ambushcades have been the norm of attack by the Maoist rebels ever since.
Inday Sara — as the VP is fondly called — said Ramillano was just one of the victims of the “heinous crime” committed by communist rebels.
She also related the story of the mother of another soldier, Army 1Lt Jaren Relota, who was killed while fighting the NPA in Davao City in 2018.
“Paulit-ulit na sumasagi sa aking isipan ang tanong ng ina ni Jaren na nagsasabing, ‘Inday Sara, ilang anak pa ba namin ang mamamatay dahil sa mga teroristang NPA,” Duterte recalled.
She stressed that the communists were out to destroy the government and lead the country to war, poverty, and injustice.
She once again described the recent agreement between the Marcos Jr. administration and communist groups as an “agreement with the devil.”
On Friday, December 22, the military reported that soldiers from the Army 2nd Infantry Division on Tuesday thwarted a plan by communist rebels to launch attacks during the Christmas season following the recovery of anti-personnel mines during a brief clash in Tagkawayan, Quezon last Tuesday (December 18).
Reports said troops from the 85th Infantry Battalion chanced upon a 10-man NPA group in Barangay Manato Central, Tagkawayan.
After a 10-minute firefight, the rebels withdrew, leaving behind four anti-personnel mines, a bandolier with four magazines and ammunition, four backpacks, and subversive documents.
Capulong said the rebels were members of the Platun Reymark of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee under Sany Broncano Alias Tau.
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Vergel Labesig
VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte called for collective action to address the low scores of Filipino students in the latest Programme for International Student Assessment.
The 2022 PISA results showed that the average scores of Filipino students in reading, mathematics and science have not improved significantly compared to other countries.
The report stated that mean scores showed that Filipino students aged 15 years old garnered only 356 points in science, 347 in reading, and 355 in mathematics.
The mean score for math among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries was 472 points for mathematics, 476 in reading and, 485 in science.
Duterte termed the results as “uncomfortable truths” that should prod all stakeholders in the education sector to work hard to address the findings.
“This is a call to action, a call to our collective responsibility as a nation. We need every stakeholder to join us in this journey moving forward. We may approach the solution differently, but we all agree on the destination,” Duterte said.
“Everyone’s efforts are counted and everyone is accountable for our children’s future,” she added.
Despite the negative mark, Duterte said the DepEd under her watch is making progress in addressing learning issues among Filipino students to further improve the quality of basic education in the country.
She pointed to the Marcos administration’s effort to overhaul the K to 10 program under the aegis of its “Matatag Curriculum.”
“I call on everyone to pull our efforts together for a more resilient Matatag education system, an education system that aims to improve learning outcomes, prioritize student and teacher well-being, and promote accountability to close remaining disparities,” the DepEd chief said.
The Matatag curriculum is currently being pilot-tested in 35 schools in seven regions of the country.
Among the revisions in the K to 10 program include reducing the number of competencies and greater emphasis on the development of foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills for Kinder to Grade 3 learners.
The current curriculum has seven competencies namely Mother Tongue, Filipino, English, Mathematics, Araling Panlipunan, MAPEH, and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao.
However, under the Matatag curriculum, there will be five competencies namely Language, Reading and Literacy, Mathematics, Makabansa, and Good Manners and Right Conduct.
Duterte also pointed to the “catch-up” day in schools to allow students to have time to read different books of their interest.
The “catch-up” day will be implemented every Friday starting on January 12, 2024.
During the catch-up Fridays, students from kindergarten to Grade 12 shall devote time to reading books and other reading materials based on their interests.
They will be later tasked by their teachers to write essays, analyses, and reviews of the books and other materials they have read.
Aside from these measures, Duterte also pointed to the role of teacher training institutions in educating teachers.
“Our schools and communities can contribute to creating a safe, inclusive, supportive, and connected school climate. We must act to bring back our school-aged children and prevent long-term absenteeism, protecting them from exploitation due to their socioeconomic conditions,” Duterte further said.
DepEd Undersecretary Gina Gonong for her part said she is confident the scores of Filipino students in the next Pisa assessment will improve due to the reform measures being implemented by DepEd.
“We’re hoping na slowly but surely magiging statistically significant yung increase ng scores natin,” Gonong said.
“But we need to work harder para naman magkaroon tayo ng improvement in terms of levels,” she added.
Gonong also put a positive spin on the latest Pisa results saying there was an increase in scores for Filipino students.
“Merong increase ng scores although sinasabi natin na hindi statistically significant pero good news na yun kasi di tayo bumaba nag increase ng scores in math and reading. Ang science ang bumaba ng one point but again statistically insignificant,” she added.
Gonong also said some Filipino students were able to achieve the minimum proficiency.
“There is 16 percent in mathematics, 24 percent in reading, 23 percent in science. But we have to work on the more than 75 percent of our students who are below the minimum level of proficiency in mathematics, science, and reading,” he added.
DepEd NCR Director Wilfredo Cabral also said they are looking into policy directions that will ensure the well-being of teachers
“We are starting to remove non-teacher tasks being assigned to them,” Cabral added.
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — For publicly countering a major decision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to resume peace talks with communist rebels in his bid to end the 55-year-old Maoist insurgency, Vice President Sara Duterte must resign as secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).
This was the dare of former Senator Leila de Lima Tuesday (05 December 2023) after VP and Education Secretary Duterte assailed the move of the President to resume the peace talks and even called it “an agreement with the devil.”
“She (VP Duterte) should resign as DepEd Sec if she keeps on publicly opposing BBM’s Cabinet policy decisions that have nothing to do with DepEd,” De Lima posted in X, formerly Twitter.
The former senator added: “She cannot eat cake and keep it too.”
De Lima noted that peace talks is “not within the core competence” of the Vice President as concurrent DepEd secretary.
“The problem with VP Sara’s statement against the peace talks is this — She is still member of Cabinet,” De Lima said.
(ai/mnm)