By Jonathan G. Villaraza
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has named Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara as the next Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).
Angara will assume office on July 19, the effectivity date of Vice President Sara Duterte’s resignation as Education Secretary.
The President made the announcement during the 17th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañan, saying Angara has accepted to take on the position.
“Sonny has agreed to take on the brief of the Department of Education,” he said.
President Marcos emphasized the critical role of the DepEd and the necessity for a leader capable of overseeing its extensive operations.
“DepEd is arguably the most important department given the crucial role of education,” said President Marcos.
The DepEd welcomed the appointment of Angara as its next Secretary.
In a statement, DepEd Undersecretary and spokesperson Michael Poa expressed optimism in the improvement of the quality of basic education under the helm of Angara.
"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," he said in a statement.
The House of Representatives led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez was quick to throw their support to the President’s latest appointee.
Romualdez said Angara's appointment as the new education chief is an "outstanding choice" for such a crucial role because of his "extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and exemplary public service,” as he cited Angara’s expertise in the field of education due to his notable legislative work and education policy achievements.
"Throughout his career, Senator Angara has demonstrated a profound commitment to enhancing our educational system and championing our students' and teachers' rights and welfare," Romualdez said.
Over at the Senate, senators also gave their thumbs up approval for Angara’s appointment.
“We look forward to working collaboratively to fulfill our shared vision of an improved and inclusive education system for all Filipinos. Congratulations once again, Secretary Angara. Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and I am certain that you will lead the DepEd to new heights of success,” Senate President Escudero said in a statement.
“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,” he added.
Senator Loren Legarda also commended Angara whom she described his dedication and efficiency, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the needs and welfare of the Filipino youth as she noted Angara’s role in improving the state of education in the country through various laws he helped crafted such as the Ladderized Education Act, the Open Learning and Distance Education Act, the Youth Entrepreneurship Act, among others.
“I am confident that Senator Angara will drive progress and innovation, ensuring a promising future for all Filipino students,” he said.
Senator Nancy Binay described Angara’s appointment as excellent.
“From the start of his term in 2013, one of his primary advocacies has always been education and a very active participant of EDCOM II he has shown that he has an excellent grasp of the various issues hounding the education sector,” she said.
The Makati Business Club (MBC) also expressed their approval for Marcos’ choice of Angara saying he would play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s current condition of education after the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) latest Program for International Assessment Report (PISA) ranked the Philippines last among ASEAN neighbors in the areas of science, mathematics, and reading.
Presently, the Philippines ranks a dismal 77th out of 81 countries in the PISA.
“These results highlight the urgent need for an experienced leader who will be able to transform and revive the Philippine education system. A well-educated population is key to creating a competitive workforce that will be able to keep up with rapid technological developments, given the acceleration of artificial intelligence,” the MBC said.
“MBC looks forward to working with Senator Angara and wishes him all the best in this critical role, to ensure that elementary and high school principals and teachers are equipped with the literacy, technical, and character skills needed to prepare Filipino children and youth to meet the challenges of the future.”
Meanwhile, Angara expressed his gratitude to Marcos as he vowed to work closely with various stakeholders and his predecessors, including Vice President Duterte.
"I am deeply honored and grateful to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the trust he has placed in me as the Secretary of the Department of Education. This significant responsibility is one I accept with humility and a profound sense of duty," he said in a separate statement.
“This significant responsibility is one I accept with humility and a profound sense of duty,” Angara said in a statement.
Angara is serving his third term as senator that started in 2013 when he was elected during the midterm elections after serving as congressman of Aurora province from 2004 to 2013.
He is a graduate of Xavier School, the London School of Economics, the University of the Philippines College of Law, and Harvard Law School. He has been a regular newspaper columnist, and a professor of Law.
He holds a Master of Laws from Harvard University, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the London School of Economics, his background positions him well to lead DepEd.
His prior legislative work includes the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K-12).
Angara also garnered support from key educational organizations. He received endorsements from both the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) and the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU).
Angara has an extensive legislative history, having championed significant educational reforms since joining the Senate in 2013.
In his 18 years as legislator, Angara has sponsored or authored more than 330 laws.
Angara was principal author of the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act and in the 19th Congress, he filed the National Digital Transformation Act, the Local ICT Officers Act, and the Science and Technology Parks Incentives Act, among many other measures.
Incidentally, Angara’s father, the late Senator Edgardo Angara also served as Education Secretary.
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