VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte arrived in Malaysia on Monday night, February 12.
She meet with various government officials in the country to fulfill her mandate as the President of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Council.
Among them are Malaysian Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek and Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sei Fadillah Yusof.
VP Duterte also visit the SEAMEO Regional Center of Excellence in Malaysia.
The Vice President head to Setapak Vocational College, a polytechnic college operated by the Ministry of Higher Education in the country.
‘’She wants to see how we can learn from that, and also in line with the Department of Education’s MATATAG Curriculum, which focuses not only on academic excellence and technical skills but also on resilience, inclusivity, and civic-mindedness,’’ according to Ambassador Maria Angela Ponce, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte have a meet and greet with Filipinos in Malaysia.
‘’It’s just a sit-down dinner, dinner with them. And of course, I’m sure, the usual catching up with fellow countrymen because I noticed they get excited when Filipinos are visiting their place. And, of course, their issues and concerns as Filipinos working abroad,’’ Vice President Sara Duterte said.
Vice President Duterte mentioned that she convey messages of love to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in Malaysia from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
There are around 180,000 Filipinos currently in Malaysia, including professionals, skilled workers, laborers, and household workers.
Ambassador Maria Angela Ponce emphasized the importance of Vice President Duterte’s visit, especially as both countries are celebrating their six decades-long bilateral relations this year.
‘’This 2024, we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of Philippines-Malaysia bilateral relations. For Filipinos here in Malaysia, we are very proud that the Vice President can come here to represent us. And not only in a bilateral sense but also as the President of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Council,’’ Ambassador Ponce added.
