I AM publishing here in toto, the Unity Statement of the Department of Education amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic that is besetting now. Here is the full statement:
We, officials and personnel of the Department of Education, are one with the Filipino nation in the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.
From our Central Office to our schools, we are committed to give our time and render our skills for the greater good of our nation. For the national to the local government units, and for the country's brave frontliners, we will support the whole of government efforts towards healing our nation.
This is the newfound purpose of Sulong EduKalidad – to move forward together as we prepare the education system for the future.
In this battle, our actions will be anchored on serving the public, and on ensuring that the health and safety of our learners, teachers, and personnel will be given priority in our policies.
We will approach this period of ‘new normal’ with patriotism, compassion, and sensitivity so that the process of learning will not be a burden for parents, our children, and our teachers, but a ray of hope amidst the crisis. Despite the challenges along the way, we will ensure that we will strike the balance of offering quality education and caring for each other.
We are firmly committed to developing a comprehensive Learning Continuity Plan (LCP), which will address challenges through the necessary adjustments in the curriculum, alignment of learning materials, and relevant support to teachers and parents.
As we rally towards beating the unseen threat, we will be steadfast in delivering to the public only the truth and our selfless service, as we shun misinformation and division.
There is still much work to do. This is not the time to sow fear, doubt, or hate but to offer unity, compassion, understanding, and love. On our part, we commit to the goal of delivering accessible, quality, liberating, and safe basic education services in these critical times.
We, the million-strong workforce of DepEd, call on the whole nation to preserve the Bayanihan spirit.
We will not waver until all are healed. And we will not falter for the education of the millions of Filipino learners.
As one nation, we shall overcome, and heal as one.