Six major national events of the Department of Education (DepEd) will help boost the post-Covid-19 economy of Cebu, according to Vice President and outgoing Secretary Sara Duterte.

In a speech late Monday, Duterte said the simultaneous conduct of the national competitions will not only empower the youth in various fields, but also support local businesses in the province.

She was referring to the Palarong Pambansa, 2024 National Festival of Talents, National Schools Press Conference (NSPC), National Learner’s Convergence, Learning Camp and the Solidarity Meeting of the Learners’ Rights and Protection Office, all to be hosted by the province.

“Ito rin po ang tulong namin sa lokal na ekonomiya ng Cebu at sa inyong mga (This is our support to the local economy of Cebu and to the) micro-small and medium enterprises, post Covid-19 pandemic,” she said during the opening ceremony of the 2024 National Festival of Talents in Naga City.

Duterte said the idea came up last year to avoid scattered engagements for teachers, trainers and coaches, while helping support a region or a province at the same time.

“Kaya po masaya kami na nandito kami sa Cebu para sa iba’t bang aktibidad ng Department of Education (That’s why we are happy that we’re here in Cebu for the various activities of the Department of Education),” she said.

She also thanked the local government of Cebu for its collaboration with the education sector.

Future journalists

Duterte, meanwhile, urged campus journalists joining the NSPC to uphold the truth as they go on their journey as future members of the media.

“Kapag opinyon ninyo ang sinusulat ninyo (When you write your opinion), never assume anything. Huwag ninyong ipaghalo ang assumption at opinyon, magkaibang bagay ‘yon (Don’t mix your assumption with opinion, those are two different things),” she said in a separate speech in Carcar City.

Duterte advised the NSPC delegates to refrain from defamations against a person or organization.

“Never print or post or circulate something that you know is not the truth. Huwag ninyong gawin na sirain ang buhay ng ibang tao, sirain ang imahe ng iba’t-ibang organisasyon (Don’t ruin the lives of other persons, nor destroy the image of various organizations),” she said.

Duterte expressed optimism for the campus journalists to garner awards not only in the country but also internationally, once they join the field in the future.

A total of 3,145 campus journalists from different regions nationwide joined the 2024 NSPC opening ceremony.

The DepEd, meanwhile, launched the National Learning Convergence on Tuesday morning in Lapu-Lapu City, to be followed by the opening ceremony of Palarong Pambansa in the afternoon.

The National Brigada Eskwela Kick-off Program in preparation for the new school year will be launched in Carmen town on July 17. (PNA)