TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone has called on education partners across the region to remain united in strengthening the Philippine learning system, as the Department of Education (DepEd) honored exceptional stakeholders during “Kabalikat sa Edukasyon: A Celebration of Gratitude” on November 27.
The ceremony recognized agencies, organizations, local government units (LGUs), and community advocates whose continued support has helped improve the delivery of education services throughout Eastern Visayas.
Evardone, who was among the event’s special guests, echoed DepEd’s call for collective responsibility—earlier emphasized by DepEd Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and External Partnership Service Cilette Liboro Co.
“Let us all work together for the youth. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child,” Evardone said, underscoring that quality education cannot be achieved by the government alone. He assured that the province of Eastern Samar remains committed to collaborating with DepEd and its partners to uplift learning communities.
He also encouraged partners to remain steadfast in their advocacy despite the difficult challenges the country faces.
“I hope we continue helping one another for the education sector… We all know that the Philippines is in crisis. What we are talking about may be depressing, but what we can do is invest in the future,” Evardone added, framing education as the most enduring solution to long-term national development.
In her message, Asec. Co highlighted the importance of shared responsibility in addressing education needs, noting that DepEd — under the leadership of Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara — is working closely with LGUs to fast-track classroom construction and upgrade learning facilities nationwide.
“We do not fear because we are not alone,” Co said, expressing gratitude for partners that consistently provide resources, technical support, and community-based assistance.
DepEd-8 Regional Director Ronelo Al Firmo likewise reaffirmed the crucial role of stakeholders, emphasizing: “Education is not the work of DepEd alone. We are never alone in this journey. Thank you for believing that every child deserves education and no learner is left behind.”
Among those recognized by DepEd-8 were seven private lending institutions, 13 journalists, 13 non-government organizations, one private company, four international organizations, nine national government agencies, a private individual who funded the construction of a school building, seven city and municipal mayors, and five provincial governors.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
