THE House of Representatives led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has welcomed the appointment of Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara as the new Secretary of the Department of Education.

Romualdez stressed that Angara’s extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and exemplary public service make him an outstanding choice for this crucial role.

Angara, a graduating senator, will start his service to the DepEd on July 19.

Vice President Sara Duterte has relinquished her post as DepEd Secretary.

“Throughout his career, Senator Angara has demonstrated a profound commitment to enhancing our educational system and championing our students’ and teachers’ rights and welfare. His impressive background and notable legislative work and education policy achievements equip him with the expertise needed to lead the DepEd with excellence,” Romualdez said.

The Speaker assured Angara of full support from the House of Representatives.

“We are eager to collaborate with him to realize our vision of ensuring every Filipino child has access to quality education.

Congratulations, Secretary Angara. We are confident that we will make significant strides in uplifting our education system under your leadership,” he added.

In addition, ACT Teachers Party-list Representative France Castro welcomed the appointment of Angara and at the same time challenged him to immediately address the pressing issues in the country’s education sector.

“While it is good that a new DepEd Secretary has been named, we challenge Sen. Sonny Angara to hit the ground running and immediately address the education crisis in our country as well as the long-standing demands of teachers and education support personnel,” Castro stated.

The solon emphasized the urgent need for the incoming DepEd chief to tackle the challenges head-on, particularly the controversial K-12 program.

“We urge the new secretary to face the challenges and problems of the K-12 program head-on and overhaul the system. The program has been fraught with issues since its implementation, and it’s high time for a comprehensive review and necessary reforms,” Castro said.

Castro also highlighted the importance of addressing the welfare of education workers.

“Sen. Angara must prioritize the improvement of working conditions, salaries, and benefits of our teachers and education support personnel. These frontliners in education have long been calling for just compensation and better support systems,” she added.

The ACT Teachers representative expressed hope that Angara’s experience as a commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) would inform his approach to the critical issues facing the education sector.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas