In a recent message to the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (Seameo) secretariat, regional centers, and network, Vice President Sara Duterte urged her fellow education ministers to prioritize education recovery efforts and strengthen collaborative ties across the region. As the president of the Seameo Council from 2023 to 2025, Duterte expressed her gratitude for the organization’s unwavering cooperation in empowering the Southeast Asian community through education, innovation, and learning.
“Our resiliency and unity have led us to new avenues of growth, promoting excellence in lifelong learning and development for every learner,” Duterte stated. While acknowledging the complexities and challenges involved in achieving greater education competency, she emphasized the importance of collective pursuit in fostering a culture of academic research, policy reforms, and teacher training in the region.
As members of this dynamic community, Duterte called for enhanced collaboration in pursuing improved outcomes and innovative teaching strategies that are responsive to the needs of academic communities. She expressed her commitment to working with fellow education ministers to facilitate policy dialogues and foster leadership programs across the region in the coming year. By doing so, they aim to empower citizens to become agents of progress, particularly in the fields of education, science, and culture.
Duterte also encouraged her colleagues to embrace the spirit of selfless service during the holiday season. She emphasized the organization’s dedication to providing innovative learning platforms and better opportunities for both learners and educators. The goal is to build an empowered student-teacher community that is well-prepared to overcome the challenges of higher education and contribute to the social and economic development of the region.
Highlighting her involvement in international education initiatives, Duterte mentioned her foreign trips as Education secretary this year. In June, she visited Brunei and Singapore as part of her duties as Seameo council president. In September, she delivered a keynote speech at the Global Education and Innovation Summit in South Korea. These engagements reflect her commitment to promoting education and fostering international collaborations.
Duterte’s call for continued collaboration in education recovery and her emphasis on the importance of innovation and lifelong learning align with the global efforts to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. As countries navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, sharing experiences, best practices, and resources becomes crucial in ensuring that students receive quality education and are prepared for the future.
The Southeast Asian region, with its diverse cultures, languages, and educational systems, can benefit greatly from a collaborative approach. By working together, education ministers can leverage their collective expertise to develop comprehensive strategies that address the specific needs of their respective countries. This collaboration can lead to the exchange of ideas, the implementation of effective policies, and the improvement of teaching methods.
Furthermore, the call for policy dialogues and leadership programs demonstrates Duterte’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement in education. By engaging in meaningful discussions and providing leadership opportunities, education ministers can drive positive change and inspire others to pursue excellence in education.
As we celebrate the holiday season, Vice President Sara Duterte’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of education and collaboration in building a better future. By prioritizing education recovery and strengthening collaborative ties, Southeast Asian countries can work together to overcome challenges and create a region that values lifelong learning, innovation, and the development of its learners and educators.
Source: The Manila Times
