FILE PHOTO: Senator Sonny Angara’s appointment as the new Secretary of Education is lauded. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) expressed optimism that the experiences of the incoming Department of Education Secretary (DepEd), Sen. Sonny Angara, will enhance the government’s ability to address the learning crisis in the country effectively.
in a statement, the education reform advocacy group also commended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “swift” decision to name a new education leader.
“We welcome President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to appoint Sen. Sonny Angara as the new Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd),” said PBEd, which earlier enumerated several possible replacements for Vice President Sara Duterte as Education Secretary. Among its list was Angara.
READ: Angara named as new DepEd chief
“We laud the swift appointment, which is crucial to ensure that there is no disruption in the education of our children, maintaining the continuity in the reforms that should be done in the educational system,” it added.
Vice President Duterte stepped down as DepEd head on June 19. While she did not provide a definite reason for quitting, she explained that her action was not a sign of weakness, as it was stirred by compassion for teachers and students. Her resignation takes effect on July 19.
Angara has thanked Marcos for his “trust” in picking him as the new DepEd leader.
Before Angara’s appointment, he served as a senator from the 16th to the present Congress, or since 2013, and chaired multiple Senate panels, including the justice and human rights committee, finance committee, and youth committee. He was also a commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education.
He authored key education legislation, including the Free College Law and Free Kindergarten Law.
“We acknowledge the significance of emphasizing competence over political considerations in this appointment. With this foundation in place, Senator Angara, as a politician, is expected to use his political savvy to navigate legislative processes, build partnerships, and secure resources and support for learners and teachers,” PBEd said.
“PBEd consistently extends support to DepEd in all its efforts to tackle the persistent education crisis and foster the development of human capital,” it added.