Education, literacy essential to national security – Sara

MANILA, Philippines — Education and literacy are essential for national security as educated individuals would play “a vital role in building a strong defense force,” Vice President Sara Duterte said Thursday.

In her keynote speech during the National Literacy Conference in Cebu, Duterte stressed that education, literacy and national security are “interconnected” as they contribute to peace, development and prosperity of the country.

“Education and literacy are essential for national security. A well-educated and literate population is more equipped to address the challenges and threats faced by a country. It enhances the capacity of an individual to understand and respond to national and global issues such as climate change, economic instability, political conflicts and war,” said Duterte, who is also education secretary.

“Education also plays a vital role in building a strong defense force by producing skilled and knowledgeable individuals who can contribute to the security and defense sectors,” she added.

Duterte has been vocal about education’s key role in national security, but critics have questioned why she had sought confidential and intelligence funds to bankroll anti-insurgency programs instead of key projects of her offices that would have benefitted the poor and the education system.

The Vice President also highlighted how education and literacy were crucial to economic development and prosperity, as an educated workforce would likely have “higher employment rates, increased productivity and better job opportunities.”

While Duterte said the Department of Education has made substantial efforts to enhance functional literacy, the government still needs to address the inequality of access to education.