Education Secretary Leonor Briones reminded the learners to appreciate and emulate the traits and ideas of Philippines National Hero Jose Rizal for the country during the virtual 2021 National Students’ Day recently.
“For our part, we should develop within ourselves the same fervor Rizal had instilled in us. The love for the country [of Rizal] at an early age was inspirational. We should inculcate his values of discipline, organization, and common sense to young generations of Filipinos,” Briones said.
The education chief also highlighted the learners’ resiliency in addressing challenges and adopting the new normal in education amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The youth have emerged to find hope and ways to become heroes of the pandemic.”
“School closures and movement restrictions are disrupting students’ routines and support systems. These led them to navigate the new normal [in education] and the youth have emerged to find hope and ways to become heroes of the pandemic in terms of educating people, tackling misinformation and stigma, and lifting the spirits of the leaders and letting their voices be heard,” the education head stressed.
The said event, spearheaded by the Bureau of Learner Support Services – Youth Formation Division and DepEd Bicol Region, also featured the “Stories of Passion and Advocacy” of the different youth leaders who excelled in their respective fields.
Youth Advocate Emmanuel Mirus Ponon, Miss Philippines Earth-Air 2020 Patrixia Sherly Santos, and Gawad Siklab 2021 Most Outstanding SSG Teacher-Adviser Saturnino Macasinag, Jr. shared their success stories during the pandemic.
“Kayo ang isa sa mga pinakamasigasig na kabataan sa buong mundo.”
“All your efforts and hard work inspire us in the Department of Education to continue doing our best in providing you the kind of education you need and deserve to succeed in life. Kayo ang isa sa mga pinakamasigasig na kabataan sa buong mundo,” Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del Pascua said.
“Kaya naman kami rito sa DepEd, through our various platforms, programs, and initiatives, we will continue to advocate for student empowerment, inculcating the values of nationhood, and social responsibility to all learners nationwide,” he added.
In addition, the program conducted an interactive activity called “Youth Tambayan Session,” led by learners from different parts of the country, including Clifford James Danduan from Davao City, Humphrey Soriano from Quezon City, Paula Dennise Catalla from Quezon, and Sofia Vera Aloba from Mandaue City.
Meanwhile, the activity also officially introduced the Philippine delegates for the STEP Sunburst Youth Camp 2021, including John Edward Eugenio from Caloocan City, Kayla Vallester from Quezon Province, Llyrah Gwen Villones from Negros Oriental, and Reighn Claire Ochosa from Muntinlupa City.
