PASIG CITY, March 15, 2017 – The powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) officially confirmed Education chief Leonor Magtolis Briones as the Department Secretary on March 15, 2017, following thorough scrutiny of her mandate, agenda, challenges, and accomplishments for DepEd.

When asked of her legacy, Briones boldly stated, “By 2022, our legacy will be a nation of young people who love their country and know their history; Learners who not only memorize facts but are equipped to respond to the challenges and opportunities of a radically changing world in a positive manner; Individuals who think critically, are innovative and happy.”

Briones readily addressed the issues raised by the distinguished CA members, including the condom distribution in schools, fast-tracking of budget spending, and Palarong Pambansa.

Fifteen of the 17 members of the august confirmation body voted for the Secretary’s confirmation, while three senators expressed their confidence in her capacity to lead the Department through earnest endorsements of her confirmation before the plenary.

“Kaya po laking tuwa ko nang si Ma’am Liling ang hinirang na Secretary of Education. Sabi ko sa sarili ko: The era of annual SONA tales of education accomplishments without basis is over. . . Na tapos na ang mabagal at makupad na paggamit ng pondo. . . This is precisely why I am voting for the confirmation of your appointment, my dear Ma’am Liling, so that you yourself can solve the problem of underspending, which you repeatedly exposed while you were in Social Watch,” Senator Ralph Recto declared.

CA Education Committee Chair Senator Senator Bam Aquino manifested, “Isa po siyang katangi-tanging lingkod bayan na kilala sa pagsulong ng may dignidad na edukasyon at ng mabuti at maayos na pamamahala, she is no other than the incumbent Secretary of Education, Secretary Liling Briones. . . And based on my personal experience of working with her in the past eight months, she’s truly a champion of quality basic education.”

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