Sara Duterte vows to adhere to OVP’s mission to serve the Filipino people 

Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Wednesday led the 88th-anniversary celebration of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) with the commitment to continuing to be guided by its mission: “To reach, serve, and create lasting impact on the lives of the Filipino people." according to a report by Philippine News Agency.

In her speech, Duterte assured that every step that the OVP would take would lead to the development of the country, and address the needs of every Filipino.

"Maraming salamat sa inyong suporta at pananatili sa tabi ng OVP. Sa kabila ng mga hamon, magtatagumpay tayo sa ating mga hangarin sa bayan (Thank you for your support and for sticking with the OVP. Despite the challenges, we will succeed in our vision for the country)," she told the OVP officials and personnel.

Duterte also thanked all former vice presidents whom she said should also get the credit for strengthening the OVP.

"Lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng bumubuo ng OVP, kabilang na ang lahat ng mga dating Pangalawang Pangulo ng Pilipinas. Sila ang nagsimula, nagtayo, at nagpatibay sa Office of the Vice President. Dahil sa kanilang sipag, talino, at matatag na pamumuno, naging mahalagang bahagi ng kasaysayan ng Pilipinas at ng buhay ng mga Pilipino ang OVP (I thank all those who are part of the OVP, including all the former vice presidents of the Philippines. They started, built, and strengthened the Office of the Vice President. Because of their perseverance, intellect, and strong leadership, the OVP became an important part of Philippine history and the lives of Filipinos)," she said.

Better education for BARMM

Meanwhile, Duterte, as concurrent Education Secretary, assured that the Department of Education (DepEd) is ready to assist the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as part of its mandate of making sure that no one will be left behind in the reforms being implemented in the country's basic education.

She made the assurance after the visit of Presidential Adviser on Muslim Affairs Almarim Tillah at the OVP on Tuesday to discuss steps to maintain peace and development, as well as how to improve basic education in the region.

"Mahalaga sa atin na mas mapabuti ang kalidad ng edukasyon sa buong bansa, at kasama na rito ang rehiyon ng BARMM. Kaya naman ibinahagi ko kay Honorable Tillah na ang DepEd ay kasalukuyang nagbubuo ng DepEd focal team na pangunahing tutuon sa pakikipag-ugnayan at maghanap ng paraan paano makatulong sa BARMM Ministry of Basic and Higher Education hinggil sa mga pangangailangan sa edukasyon ng ating mga mag-aaral sa BARMM (It is important for us to improve the quality of education in the entire country, including the BARMM. That's why I told Honorable Tillah that the DepEd is currently forming a DepEd focal team that would focus on coordinating and finding ways to help the BARMM Ministry of Basic Education and Higher Education regarding the educational needs of our learners in the BARMM)," she said.