Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 9) — The Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Sunday listed the nationwide trips of Vice President Sara Duterte and her “significant and productive” diplomatic engagements as part of its first 100 days report.
The OVP said Duterte covered 20 cities and municipalities, three island visits, and one out-of-the-country travel in less than 100 days to spearhead her office’s programs and activities.
“The Vice President, who also sits as Education Secretary, also made sure to have school visits during her out-of-town trips to personally evaluate situations of learning institutions,” the OVP said. “This initiative enabled the teaching force to have meaningful discussions with Duterte to address the sector’s concerns.”
As for diplomacy, the OVP reported that Duterte met with various ambassadors from the United States and countries in Europe and Asia to discuss bilateral relations at the OVP central office and the Department of Education (DepEd), noting the courtesy call from State Councilor and Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi.
Duterte went to Tokyo, Japan last September for her first official overseas trip to represent President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at the state funeral of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The OVP also took pride in its gift-giving program to daycare children in Mandaluyong City and kit distribution in some remote areas in the country.
Some members of Congress have lauded the DepEd chief’s efforts for the resumption of face-to-face classes. However, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines branded her leadership as having an “anti-teacher” character for being silent regarding teachers’ demands.
