September 30, 2021 – For her extensive career in public service and her courageous response to the challenges in basic education in the face of the pandemic, Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones is set to receive the prestigious Lifetime Contributor Award for the public sector at the 12th Asia CEO Awards 2021 on October 12, Tuesday.

“I am grateful to be selected as the Lifetime Contributor Awardee. This citation is dedicated to the whole DepEd family, who courageously defied odds and challenges to ensure the delivery of basic education and to continue provide opportunities to our learners for their better future,” Secretary Briones said.

Lifetime Contributor Award is the highest honor at the Asia CEO Awards, which recognizes the leaders and nation-builders for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the country. The awarding will be streamed live on October 12, 6:30 pm at the Asia CEO Awards Facebook page and the Asia CEO Forum Facebook page.

Under the leadership of Sec. Briones, DepEd developed the Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) at the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak.  The initiative has ensured the health, safety, and well-being of learners, teachers, and personnel while continuing education through curriculum adjustments, deployment of multiple learning modalities, provision of corresponding training for teachers and school leaders, and proper orientation of parents and guardians.

Briones also spearheaded the introduction of the Sulong EduKalidad program, which innovates policies and programs to address challenges in attaining quality education. It focuses on four aggressive reforms in primary education: (1) K to 12 curriculum review and update, (2) Improving learning environment, (3) Teachers upskilling and reskilling, and (4) Engagement of stakeholders for support and collaboration.

Secretary Briones graduated from Silliman University with a degree in Bachelor in Business Administration, major in Accounting, magna cum laude at the young age of 17. She obtained her Master’s degree in Public Administration, major in Local Government and Fiscal Administration, as Dean’s Lister from the University of the Philippines. She obtained advance training in Innovations in Governance at John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Massachusetts. She also completed her post graduate diploma in Development Administration, major in Public Enterprises, at Leeds University, England, with distinction.

Excelling in diverse sectors, she spent much of her career as an educator, teaching public fiscal administration and social development at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

Before her stint as DepEd chief, she also served as secretary to the Commission of Audit (COA) and the National Treasurer of the Philippines. She also became the Lead Convenor of Social Watch Philippines and addressed the United Nations General Assembly on social development issues.

In 2012, the University of the Philippines’ Board of Regents (UP BOR) conferred the rank of professor emeritus to Briones. She is the only living professor emeritus in public administration at the University.

Along with PLDT Enterprise as Title Sponsor, Asia CEO Awards is the most prominent business awards event in the Philippines and one of the most significant events in the Asia Pacific region. Its purpose is to promote leadership excellence and team-building within organizations and displays Filipino business accomplishment to the world’s business leaders.

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