ILOILO City – The Department of Education (DepEd) Region 6 has expressed full support to the appointment of Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara as Education Secretary.
“We are happy with the announcement and this will lead to a smooth transition,” said Hernani Escullar Jr., regional information officer of DepEd-6.
Angara will replace Vice President Sara Duterte, who announced her resignation as Education Secretary on June 19, 2024.
Her resignation will take effect on July 19, 2024.
Escullar also confirmed there would be no changes to existing programs, indicating it would be “business as usual” at DepEd-6 under the leadership of Dr. Ramir Uytico, regional director.
He highlighted the forthcoming implementation of the Matatag Curriculum, set to start this July 2024 in all public schools across the region, covering Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 4, and Grade 7.
The new curriculum will streamline the teaching areas from seven to five, focusing on Language, Reading and Literacy, Mathematics, Makabansa, and Good Manners and Right Conduct.
Dr. Ernesto Servillon Jr., Schools Division Superintendent of Iloilo Province, also welcomed the appointment of Angara.
“It is a welcome development because right now there is an ongoing activity related to education between the office of Senator Angara, and the Provincial Government of Iloilo City Government of Iloilo City,” he said, referring to the “Proof of Concept on the Devolution of Specific Functions of Basic Education to Local Governments.”
Servillon expressed confidence in Angara’s leadership, stating, “This engagement with the education sector is a strong indicator that he could lead the Department to greater heights. I am happy and I feel comfortable with Senator Angara as our new Secretary.”
The DepEd Central Office also welcomed Angara, looking forward to his leadership.
“We welcome Sen. Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara to the Department of Education. 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,” the official statement from the DepEd read.
The appointment was announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday during a Cabinet meeting.
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).
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.
He acknowledged the challenging nature of the selection process, stating, “We have many excellent candidates.” (With an additional report from the Presidential Communications Office)/PN
