Duterte: Cebu gets economic boost as six DepEd events draw thousands
Six national education events hosted by Cebu are expected to provide a welcome boost to the province’s recovering economy, according to Vice President Sara Duterte.
Duterte, who is also the outgoing Secretary of Education, announced that the simultaneous conduct of these national competitions will not only empower the youth in various fields but also support local businesses.
She spoke during the opening ceremony of the 2024 National Festival of Talents in Naga City, according to the Philippine National Agency.
The events include the Palarong Pambansa, 2024 National Festival of Talents (NFOT), National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), National Learner’s Convergence, Learning Camp and the Solidarity Meeting of the Learners’ Rights and Protection Office.
“This is our support to the local economy of Cebu and to the micro-small and medium enterprises, post Covid-19 pandemic,” Duterte said.
She noted that the idea came up last year to avoid scattered engagements for teachers, trainers and coaches, while helping support a region or province at the same time.
“We are happy that we’re here in Cebu for the various activities of the Department of Education (DepEd),” Duterte added, thanking the local government of Cebu for its collaboration with the education sector.
In Lapu-Lapu City, Duterte and Senator Maria Imelda Josefa Remedios “Imee” Marcos inaugurated Learners’ Convergence Philippines 2024 (LearnCon PH 2024) at the Hoops Dome in Brgy. Gun-ob.
The event saw a warm welcome from Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, Congresswoman Cindi King-Chan and city council members.
Vice President Duterte expressed gratitude to the local government of Lapu-Lapu City for their support of the LearnCon PH and various DepEd activities.
She highlighted significant events like the NSPC, the NFOT and Palarong Pambansa, emphasizing DepEd’s efforts to improve education quality through the Matatag Curriculum and Catch-up Fridays.
Mayor Chan welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of preparing the youth for the future. He expressed pride in hosting this year’s LearnCon PH, calling it a step toward shaping well-rounded individuals.
The LearnCon PH aims to bring together learners from across the country to foster unity and shared learning. This year’s event has gathered thousands of learners from 228 school divisions in 17 regions across the country.
