Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte have been named as the new President of the Southeast Asian Minister of Education Organization (SEAMEO).
The SEAMEO council conference appointed Duterte after the term of Chan Chun Sing ended this year.
She is expected to serve until 2025.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Duterte formally opened the 52nd SEAMEO council conference held at EDSA Shanri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong where 11 country members from Southeast Asia and seven affiliate members have gathered.
In her speech during the event, the Vice President called for immediate action to address the learning gaps among learners in ASEAN countries.
"One thing is clear, we need to act now. We cannot afford to waste more time. As education leaders, we cannot allow ASEAN children to miss out on the beauty and benefits of learning and the wonders of being able to use it positively," she said.
"As education leaders, we have a huge responsibilities to bear. The decision we make today will have to determine the quality of life in the countries and entire ASEAN region," Duterte added.
Apart from this, the Vice President also introduced the Department of Education's (DepEd) MATATAG agenda, a road map that will help the department in developing initiatives to support the Southeast Asian education sector.
Before assuming the presidency in SEAMEO, Duterte served as its Vice President.
