VP Sara: Compassion for students, teachers reason for resignation

Vice President Sara Duterte answers questions from reporters in this file photo taken on March 13, 2024. | FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte said she resigned from her post as secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) not because of “weakness” but due to her “true compassion” for teachers and students.

Duterte made the pronouncement as she bared updates related to basic education at the DepEd office for the final time.

“Mga kababayan, ang aking pagbibitiw ay hindi lulan ng kahinaan kundi dala ng tunay na malasakit para sa ating mga guro at kabataang Pilipino,” said Duterte during her speech.

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(My fellowmen, my resignation is not carried by weakness but by true compassion for our teachers and Filipino youth.)

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“Bagama’t hindi ako magpapatuloy na mamamahala sa kagawaran, patuloy pa rin nating itataguyod ang kalidad ng edukasyon na nararapat para sa Pilipino,” she added.

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(Although I will no longer continue to manage the department, we will continue to promote the quality of education that Filipinos deserve.)

Apart from this, Duterte provided no other reason for her resignation.

It should be noted that Duterte not only resigned as DepEd chief, but also as a member of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s cabinet, and as vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

INQUIRER.net has already asked the DepEd on who will replace Duterte as its chief, but has yet to receive a response as of writing.

Duterte’s resignation will be effective July 19.