Sara’s DepEd exit boon or bane?
Sara Duterte’s resignation from the Cabinet was just as surprising as her decision to slide down and be Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s running mate in the 2022 national elections despite dominating pre-poll surveys.
Her split with the President on several issues, including the government reopening peace talks with communist rebels and an ongoing investigation into her father’s deadly drug war by the International Criminal Court, has blown apart the UniTeam that catapulted the duo to victory in 2022.
The Marcos administration’s efforts to amend the Constitution, many believe, created the biggest cleavage between the country’s two most prominent political families.
Despite the fireworks, Sara has tried to remain neutral, even as her father’s attacks on the President have continued. She was the only member of the Duterte family to appear with Marcos when the President visited flood-hit areas of Mindanao recently.
Sara’s decision to step down has sparked a significant debate regarding its impact on the Department of Education (DepEd) and raised questions about its potential consequences on the education sector.
On one hand, Sara Duterte’s departure from the Cabinet could be seen as a boon for the DepEd. With the focus shifting away from political positions, there may be an opportunity for new leadership to emerge within the department.
This could also bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a renewed commitment to improving the quality of education in the Philippines. Moreover, Sara Duterte’s resignation may help reduce political interference in the affairs of the DepEd, allowing the agency to operate more independently and effectively.
“In
all, Sara Duterte’s resignation from the Cabinet presents both opportunities and challenges for the Education portfolio.