VP Sara visits Masbate schools after rebel attacks

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Monday visited seven public schools in Masbate weeks after rebel attacks in the province caused learning disruption and affected thousands of students.

In a statement, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said Duterte went to Palani Integrated School in Balud, Guindawahan Elementary School in Pio Corpuz, Locso-an Elementary School, Arriesgado Sevilleno High School in Placer, Villa Hermosa Elementary School, Villa Hermosa National High School in Cawayan, and Masbate Comprehensive National High School in Masbate City.

In-person classes were suspended for a week in six Masbate towns due to the clash of government forces and suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels, affecting over 55,000 learners and 2,815 school personnel.

The Department of Education (DepEd) earlier said the attacks “have caused trauma to learners and school personnel

In her visit, Duterte highlighted the importance of education in ending the cycle of poverty.

She also reminded students from the Locso-on Elementary School in Placer town to duck and seek cover when they hear gunfire.

The Vice President also held dialogues with school heads and teachers, and listened to their concerns about the education sector, particularly the establishment of school buildings, lessening the paper works of teachers, and conduct of stress debriefing due to the clashes.

Duterte also led the distribution of school supplies and dental kits, with 1,513 students able to receive the OVP’s PagbaBAGo kits. —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA Integrated News