By Brian Jules CampuedPresident Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has named Sen. Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara as the new Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) announced Tuesday.
In a news release, the PCO said Marcos announced Angara’s appointment during the 17th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañang.
Angara will replace Vice President Sara Duterte, who resigned as DepEd chief and National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) co-vice chairperson last June 19. He will assume office on July 19.
The senator’s appointment came days after the President said that he was having a hard time in finding a new DepEd secretary, as the agency “is arguably the most important department, given the crucial role of education.”
According to Malacañang, Angara “has an extensive legislative history, having championed significant educational reforms since joining the Senate in 2013.”
It noted his legislative achievements, including the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K-12).
The DepEd, likewise, welcomed Angara’s appointment: “The DepEd community looks forward to working with the new leadership as we continue our relentless pursuit towards improving the quality of Basic Education in the country.”
In a statement, Angara thanked the President for trusting him in leading the DepEd which he accepts “with humility and a profound sense of duty”.
“Education is the cornerstone of our nation’s future, and it is through collective effort that we can address the challenges and seize the opportunities ahead,” he stated.
The new Education chief also assured the public that he is committed to work with the Marcos administration, various stakeholders, as well as his predecessor, Duterte, in improving the overall quality of education in the country.
“Together, with the dedication of all stakeholders, we will strive to create a brighter future for our nation through education,” he said.
The leaders of the 19th Congress also welcomed Angara’s appointment, with Senate President Francis Escudero noting his colleague’s “extensive experience and unwavering commitment” to enhancing the Philippine educational system.
“His proven track record in legislative work, particularly in education reform, uniquely positions him to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. His background in both Philippine and international education systems equips him with the necessary perspective and expertise to elevate our educational standards,” Escudero said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez said that Angara is an “outstanding choice” for the post given his expertise in legislative work and education policy-making.
“Throughout his career, Senator Angara has demonstrated a profound commitment to enhancing our educational system and championing our students’ and teachers’ rights and welfare,” the House Speaker said.
Romualdez also expressed the House’s intent to collaborate with the new DepEd leadership.
“The House of Representatives fully supports Secretary Angara in this new chapter. We are eager to collaborate with him to realize our vision of ensuring every Filipino child has access to quality education,” he said.
