DAVAO CITY—Vice President Sara Duterte has launched satellite offices in selected locations in the country pursuant to her program help people outside of Metro Manila to get easier access to social services.
This came as she also assured of government assistance to ailing private schools and disclosed that the Department of Education (DepEd) was preparing the country for a face-to-face (F-to-F) classroom instructions soon.
Six Office of the Vice President (OVP) satellite offices were already opened in the cities of Dagupan, Cebu, Tacloban, Zamboanga, Davao, and Tandag in Surigao del Sur, Vice Presidential spokesman Reynold Munsayac said.
The satellite offices were launched on July 1, the first day of Vice President Duterte’s term. These offices are open to the public during office hours from Monday to Friday.
“These satellite offices were opened to assist individuals to access help, and for swifter response in times of disasters,” Munsayac said.
He said people wanting to personally see the Vice President would no longer need to travel to Metro Manila. The managers assigned in these satellite offices could provide the assistance needed by the public.
He said the satellite offices were not set up per region but were handpicked strategically for their location. A major consideration is their proximity and accessibility to other areas or islands. Additional offices shall be added once the initial six areas are in full operation.
Appointed managers per OVP satellite offices are Michael Angelo Sotto Saavedra for Zamboanga, Ma. Constancia Corominas-Lim for Cebu, Regina Generose Tecson for Davao, Alan Tanjuakio for Tacloban, Rolmar F. Basalan for Surigao, and Marc Brian C. Lim for Dagupan.
In the conversation feed on Duterte’s Facebook account, some supporters hoped that the assigned personnel would not be arrogant “as to feel they were higher than the Vice President.”
Duterte meanwhile, said the education sector “needs to build back stronger, better from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“Now that we are finally ready to open the doors to face-to-face classes, we need the help of our private schools in bringing our children and youth back to school,” Duterte said.
In an online meeting with members of the Private Educational Associations, Duterte also said government hoped to come up with appropriate actions and effective solutions for private schools that suffered from losses.
“Some private schools are facing closure. And a number have in fact already shut down,” she said.
“As a community, there is an urgent need to build back, and build back stronger and better. The migration of students from private to public schools has put enormous strain on our public schools,” she added.
Duterte said the DepEd needed the help of the private schools in responding to the Covid-induced education crisis.
“I ask for your indulgence as I also expect your support as we study and explore the appropriate measures to resolve issues and concerns that may adversely impact the education sector,” she said.
“Our task here is clear—it is to protect our children and ensure that quality education is made accessible for them—whether they are enrolled in private or public schools, whether they are in the cities or the countryside,” she added.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza