A RESOLUTION AND MANIFESTO OF SUPPORT FAVORABLY ENDORSING NEGROS OCCIDENTAL THIRD DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE CONGRESSMAN JOSE FRANCISCO “KIKO” BANTUG BENITEZ FOR SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION BASED ON HIS MERITS, ADMIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXEMPLARY TRACK RECORD
WHEREAS, the Philippines is currently facing a significant learning crisis, characterized by low proficiency levels in key subjects such as reading, mathematics, and science among Filipino students, as evidenced by the country’s performance in international assessments like the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS);
WHEREAS, this crisis has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted the education system and highlighted the need for robust and adaptive educational strategies to ensure continuous learning and address learning losses;
WHEREAS, there is an urgent need for a leader in the Department of Education who not only understands the complexities of the educational landscape but also possesses the vision, expertise, and dedication to implement innovative and effective reforms to improve the quality of education in the country;
WHEREAS, the National Movement of Young Legislators Chapter of Negros Occidental is committed to promoting the advancement of education and the welfare of the Filipino youth;
WHEREAS, Congressman Kiko Benitez has an extensive and impressive educational background, holding a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature with a minor in Southeast Asian Studies, an M.A. in Comparative Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a B.A. in Comparative Literature (summa cum laude) and English (cum laude) from Cornell University;
WHEREAS, Congressman Kiko Benitez has significant professional experience, having served as President of the Philippine Women’s University, where he led substantial educational reforms, and as an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington-Seattle, among other esteemed academic roles;
WHEREAS, Congressman Kiko Benitez has made notable legislative contributions, authoring bills to address the country’s housing needs, accelerate the digital transformation of the economy and bureaucracy, adapt the education system to the changing world, and promote creative industries, sustainable urbanization, and food security;
WHEREAS, Congressman Kiko Benitez has received multiple awards and honors, including the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education by the World Education Congress, CMO Asia, and CMO Council in 2017, recognizing his significant impact on the educational sector;
WHEREAS, Congressman Kiko Benitez holds various leadership roles, such as Chairperson of the Committee on Housing and Urban Development, Vice Chairperson of the Special Committee on Creative Industries and Performing Arts, and member of multiple other committees, demonstrating his broad expertise and leadership capabilities;
WHEREAS, the National Movement of Young Legislators Negros Occidental Chapter firmly believes that Congressman Jose Francisco “Kiko” Bantug Benitez, with his extensive educational background, significant professional experience, and proven legislative track record in promoting educational reforms, is exceptionally well-qualified to address these challenges and lead the Department of Education towards achieving its goals of providing inclusive and quality education for all Filipino students;
WHEREAS, Congressman Kiko Benitez is known for his forward-thinking vision and ability to implement innovative educational reforms, making him the ideal candidate to lead the Department of Education and drive significant improvements in the Philippine educational system;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by omnibus motion, that the National Movement of Young Legislators – Negros Occidental Chapter hereby favorably endorses Congressman Jose Francisco “Kiko” Bantug Benitez for the position of Secretary of the Department of Education to his excellency, President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr., believing that the solon’s extensive experience, educational background, and legislative achievements make him an ideal candidate to lead the department and bring innovative and effective reforms to the Philippine educational system;
RESOLVED, that all the officers of the National Movement of Young Legislators of Negros Occidental hereby affix their signatures in this Board Resolution as a manifestation of their support;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that copies of this resolution be furnished to the Office of the President, his excellency Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr., the Office of Congressman Jose Francisco “Kiko” Bantug Benitez, and all other offices concerned.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 29th of June, 2024.
We hereby certify the correctness of the foregoing resolution.