CEBU, Philippines - President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded the collaborative efforts of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in addressing the 2010 backlog in classrooms.
"Ang tagumpay po nating ito ay hindi bunga ng milagro, o ng dinoktor na mga numero. Kongkretong bunga ito ng pagkakaisa, dedikasyon, at propesyunalismo ng DepEd, ng DPWH, ng ating economic team na buong sigasig na pinapalago ang ekonomiya, at ng matuwid nating paggugol ng pondo," Aquino said during the ceremonial turnover of the 66,813 classrooms at Carmona National High School (CNHS).
Aquino also stressed that this achievement would not be possible without the help of local government units and the private sector that contributed in building the classrooms. These classrooms, which range from one-story structures to multifloor buildings, were constructed using national and local government funds and donations from the private sector.
"Sunud-sunod na binura ng DepEd ang mga backlog na minana ng kanilang sektor. Ngayon nga po, sa wakas, abot-kamay na ang ating pangarap na magkaroon ng pampublikong edukasyon na tunay na manganganak ng pagkakataon para sa ating mga kabataan," he said.
He said that the administration will maintain its commitment to education, and will fulfill its promise to every Filipino child. He added, "Layunin po ng inyong gobyernong handugan sila ng sapat na kakayahan upang itaguyod ang sarili, ang pamilya, at ang kanilang bayan."
Secretary of Education Armin Luistro also emphasized the importance of coming together towards a common goal for the education sector. "This is a collaborative work of private organizations and public institutions, showing commitment to quality education for Filipino learners," he said.
Preparing for a brighter future
Through the continuous support of various sectors, DepEd was able to close the not only the backlog in classrooms but also the needs on textbooks, school seats, and teachers in 2012.
"Mulat po tayong hindi pa tapos ang ating misyon, at mayroon pa rin tayong mga pagsubok na dapat lampasan," Aquino said.
With the constant strides of DepEd towards development in basic education, Aquino added, "Sa abot po ng ating makakaya, titiyakin nating matutugunan ang batayang pangangailangan sa sektor ng edukasyon; at sisiguraduhin nating pati ang pagkukulang sa mga susunod na taon ay mapapaghandaan at matutugunan din."
DepEd's various classroom construction programs from 2014 onwards shall address yearly increases in student population and prepare for the full implementation of senior high school (grades 11 and 12) in 2016. (deped.gov.ph)(FREEMAN)