MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. chose Senator Juan Edgardo 'Sonny' Angara as the next secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).
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| Photo courtesy: Facebook/Senator Sonny Angara |
Marcos made the announcement during the 17th Cabinet Meeting in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, saying Angara has accepted to take on the position.
Angara replaced Vice President Sara Duterte, who announced her resignation on June 19 and will officially step down as its chief on July 19.
For DepEd, they welcome Angara's appointment as the agency's next head.
"We welcome Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara to the Department of Education (DepEd). 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. Thank you," the agency said.
Meanwhile, Angara thanks President Marcos after the announcement.
"I am deeply honored and grateful to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the trust he has placed in me by appointing me as the Secretary of the Department of Education," he said.
"This significant responsibility is one I accept with humility and a profound sense of duty," Angara added.
Angara also said that he is "committed to working with all sectors of society, including my predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte."
Angara’s qualifications for DepEd chief
Malacañang Palace said Angara has an extensive legislative history, having championed significant educational reforms since joining the Senate in 2013.
With 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).
— Carl Santiago, The Summit Express
