Philippine Education Secretary Congratulates Secretary

UNCLAS MANILA 000429 SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D COPY PARA FOUR STATE PASS USAID FOR AA/ANE, AA/EGAT, DAA/ANE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON ETRD SOCI OPDC RP SUBJECT: Philippine Education Secretary Congratulates Secretary Duncan ¶1. On February 26, Ambassador received a congratulatory letter dated February 12 from Philippine Secretary of Education Jesli A. Lapus to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. In his cover letter to the Ambassador, Secretary Lapus said "the U.S. Mission continues to be of tremendous help to the cause of Philippine education and I thank you once again for your assurance of support. Secretary Duncan's story ought to inspire all of us to push our education agenda harder and higher. We took note of his priorities and look forward to increased cooperation between our Departments of Education." Secretary Lapus recently told Ambassador that he was eager to develop a good working relationship with Secretary Duncan and to enhance the education partnership between our countries. ¶2. Begin text: February 12, 2009 The Honorable Arne Duncan Secretary of Education United States of America Dear Secretary Duncan: With a humble sense of our common future and shared responsibilities, I warmly congratulate you on your appointment. The quick confirmation is a testament to your track record and dedication. It is reassuring to know that as in my country, the American focus is on institutionalizing early learning through pre-schools and emphasizing adult or alternative learning systems. Education remains a daunting task - perhaps we can both contribute to the dialogue on diversity in our schools by enhanced exchanges between our administrators and teachers. All the best and be assured that our support, our prayers are with you in the pursuit of quality education for everyone. Very truly yours, Jesli A. Lapus /S/ Secretary End of text. ¶3. Signed original will be faxed and forwarded to Secretary Duncan.