PRESIDENT Bongbong Marcos has appointed Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara as the new Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).
Angara succeeds Vice President Sara Duterte, who resigned from the position on June 19, 2024.
The announcement was made during the 17th Cabinet Meeting at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, July 2.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Angara has a robust legislative history advocating significant educational reforms since becoming a senator in 2013.
His previous legislative work includes the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K-12).
Senator Angara warmly accepted his appointment as Secretary of the Department of Education.
He emphasized his commitment to collaborating with all sectors of society, including his predecessor, VP Sara Duterte.
“I am committed to working with all sectors of society, including my predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte,’’ Sen. Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara Incoming Secretary of DepEd said.
Angara also assured that every Filipino child will have access to quality education.
‘’To ensure that every Filipino child has access to quality education. I look forward to building upon her accomplishments,” he added.
He also aims to create a brighter future for the country through education.
Meanwhile, senators expressed overwhelming support for Angara’s appointment as the new DepEd Secretary.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri stated his belief that Senator Angara is more than qualified to lead one of the most important agencies.
“I believe that he is more than qualified to head our most important agency, with the biggest share in the national budget no less,” Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino expressed confidence that Angara will excel in his new role.
“Very qualified! Am sure he will do a good job as DepEd Secretary with his EdCom background and familiarity with current issues,” Sen. Francis Tolentino, Senate Majority Leader said.
Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. remarked that Angara will surely be instrumental in addressing the needs of DepEd.
“We recognize his capability and knowledge. He will surely be instrumental in responding to the needs of our DepEd,” Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr.said.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero also congratulated Angara and noted that the senator deserves the appointment.
Furthermore, Escudero clarified Angara’s vacant position in the Senate.
‘’The term of Senator Angara will be expiring in June 2025, anyway, I don’t think we need to fill it up in a special election that costs only. So just wait maybe the expiration,’’ Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero Senate President, Republic of the Philippines said.
On the other hand, the DepEd welcomed Sen. Angara in the Department.
The education department community expects collaboration under new leadership to continue ongoing efforts toward improving the quality of basic education in the country.
VP Sara previously ensured a smooth transition alongside confirming her resignation.
She said the 30-day transition plan was laid out.
‘’That is ready, before I resign, I prepared this transition, by strand, by board and council, and SEAMEO (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization),’’ Sara Duterte Vice President | Outgoing Deped Secretary said.
The current administration expressed gratitude to Vice President Duterte for her outstanding service at DepEd.
