Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Monday visited seven public schools in Masbate province that was affected during the encounter between members of the New People&rsquo;s Army (NPA) and the Philippine Army (PA) last March.&nbsp;
In a Facebook post, Duterte said during her visit, she emphasized the importance of education as the key to ending poverty, and being vigilant of the possible incidents of armed encounters.
"Nakipag-diyalogo rin tayo sa mga guro upang pakinggan at tugunan ang kanilang mga hinaing sa loob ng sektor ng edukasyon tulad ng karagdagang school buildings, pagbabawasnng paper works ng mga guro, at pagbibigay ng stress debriefing," she added.&nbsp;
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The Vice President said she also led the distribution of "PagbaBAGo" kits that contain school supplies and hygiene kits to 1,513 students in Palani Integrated School, Guindawahan Elementary School, Locso-an Elementary School, Arriesgado Sevilleno High School, Villa Hermosa Elementary School, Villa Hermosa National High School, and Masbate National Comprehensive High School.
"Tulad ng mga naunang PagbaBAGo distribution, ibinahagi natin sa mga kabataan ang kahalagahan ng edukasyon at ang pagkakaroon ng determinasyong makatapos ng pag-aaral ang magiging susi nila upang maabot ang kanilang mga pangarap sa buhay," Duterte said.
Last March 22, communist rebels clashed with government army in Masbate, causing disruption of classes and widespread panic among 2,815 teachers and more than 55,000 students.
One soldier reportedly died while four others were hurt
Following the incident, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos ordered <a href="https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/marcos-admin-working-to-contain-npa-activities-in-masbate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heightened police presence and visibility </a>in Masbate schools.

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VP Sara visits 7 Masbate schools following NPA-Army encounter