Vice President Sara Duterte’s tenure as Education Secretary has been fraught with controversy, missteps, and a distinct lack of tangible progress for the Philippines’ ailing education system. While her supporters laud her decisive leadership, a closer look reveals a pattern of questionable decisions, unaddressed crises, and an overall failure to deliver on the promised reforms. This article presents a compelling case for why Secretary Duterte should step down, allowing for a leader with a clearer vision and more effective strategies to take the helm.
1. Erasing Education: The Removal of Visual Aids
In 2023, Secretary Duterte sparked fury among teachers by ordering the removal of visual aids from the “K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum.” This abrupt and unexplained decision left educators scrambling to adapt, fearing detrimental impacts on student engagement and learning. Critics argue that visual aids are indispensable tools for fostering creativity, understanding complex concepts, and catering to diverse learning styles. By stripping classrooms of these essential components, Secretary Duterte effectively imposed a one-size-fits-all approach that disregards individual needs and hinders effective pedagogy.
2. Apathy in the Face of Abuse: The Philippine High School for the Arts Scandal
In 2022, the prestigious Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) was rocked by allegations of sexual abuse and harassment by faculty members. Despite widespread public outcry and calls for a swift investigation, Secretary Duterte’s response was tepid and sluggish. It took months for a proper probe to be initiated, leaving young victims vulnerable and further eroding public trust in the education system. This delayed action highlighted a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of students, casting a dark shadow on Secretary Duterte’s commitment to fostering a nurturing and secure learning environment.
3. A Thin Skin: Throwing Tantrums at Criticism
Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue and responding to concerns with measured action, Secretary Duterte has displayed a troubling tendency to lash out at critics. Public dissent is met with dismissive rhetoric and accusations of negativity, stifling healthy debate and hindering progress. This unwillingness to embrace criticism creates an atmosphere of fear and discourages open communication, vital ingredients for any successful reform initiative. A leader in such a high-stakes position needs the resilience and humility to listen, learn, and adapt – qualities Secretary Duterte seems to lack.
4. A Hunger for Funds: The DepEd’s “Thirst” for Confidentiality
The opacity surrounding DepEd’s budget allocation has raised eyebrows and fueled concerns about financial mismanagement. Secretary Duterte’s repeated insistence on confidential funds and reluctance to disclose spending specifics have sowed seeds of doubt and fueled accusations of corruption. In a sector desperately needing transparent and accountable resource allocation, this shroud of secrecy is unacceptable. A leader entrusted with billions of pesos for the education of millions deserves to be held to the highest fiscal transparency standards, which Secretary Duterte has consistently failed to meet.
5. “Like Father, Like Daughter”: A National Security Risk?
While Secretary Duterte’s political pedigree cannot be ignored, it raises critical questions about her priorities and commitment to national security. Continuing her father’s pro-China stance despite well-documented concerns about Chinese encroachment in the Philippines puts her at odds with a significant portion of the population. This unwavering loyalty raises fears of compromised decision-making and undue influence, potentially jeopardizing national sovereignty and jeopardizing the future of generations of Filipino students.
The Bottom Line
Missteps, unaddressed crises, and a general lack of progress have marked Secretary Duterte’s time at the helm of DepEd. From the removal of vital teaching tools to the sluggish response to abuse allegations, her tenure has been characterized by questionable decisions and a concerning disregard for student well-being and academic needs. Her inability to handle criticism, hunger for confidential funds, and questionable commitment to national security further solidify the case for her resignation. The Philippines’ education system deserves a leader who prioritizes transparency, accountability, and effective reform, qualities Secretary Duterte has demonstrably failed to embody. The time for change is now. Secretary Duterte, for the sake of the future of millions of Filipino students, please resign.