DFA Hails PH Transformed Education as Vital to Lasting Peace, Highlights PH Example of Inclusivity during Fete for International Day of Education 

(Left) Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Z. Duterte delivers remarks on International Day for Education with DFA-UNIO Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa T. Almojuela (Right) also in attendance

MANILA 30 January 2024 – DFA joined DEPED in highlighting transformed Philippine education as an exponent of peace and development at the celebration of the International Day of Education led by Vice President and Secretary for Education Sara Z. Duterte at the Marco Polo Hotel, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. 

In her keynote address, Vice President Duterte urged all education stakeholders to recommit themselves to ensuring inclusive, accessible, relevant and quality education to shape learners that are strong, confident, resilient, and matatag. 

DFA Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Almojuela of the Office of United Nations and International Organizations stressed the important role of education as a foundation for peace by fostering understanding, tolerance, and critical thinking skills that empower individuals to navigate tensions non-violently and contribute to the creation of progressive, prosperous and harmonious societies.

The Philippines has fervently advocated for the inclusive education agenda for lasting peace in the United Nations.

Last year, the Philippines co-sponsored the UN General Assembly Resolution on “Education for sustainable development in the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, which was adopted in December 2023. The resolution calls upon the international community to provide inclusive and equitable quality education at all levels so that all people, regardless of their sex, age, race, or ethnicity, may have access to lifelong learning opportunities that will help them acquire the knowledge and skillIs to participate fully in society. 

The Philippines also recently signed the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2024-2028 (UNSDCF), which charts the areas of Philippine cooperation with the UN. Through the UNSDCF, the Philippines and partner UN agencies will enhance the country’s capacity to provide inclusive, safe, and quality learning environments at all education and training levels and localize learning impact, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

Present in the forum were high level officials from DEPED, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the United Nations, development partners, and other stakeholders in education. 

The United Nations General Assembly declared 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. END