SINABI ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. kahapon, Hulyo 2, Martes na nakahanda na siyang italaga si Sen. Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara bilang bagong kallihim ng Department of Education (DepEd).
Nagpahayag ang pangulo sa ika-17 Cabinet Meeting sa Malacañan, at sinabing tinanggap na ni Angara ang naturang posisyon.
“Sonny has agreed to take on the brief of the Department of Education,” sabi niya.
Papalitan ni Angara si Vice President Sara Duterte, na nagbitiw bilang Education Secretary noong Hunyo 19, 2024. Ang kanyang pagbibitiw ay magsisimula sa Hulyo 19, 2024.
Si Angara ay may malawak na kasaysayan bilang mambabatas, na nagtaguyod ng makabuluhang mga repormang pang-edukasyon mula noong mula nang maging senador noong 2013.
Nagtapos ng Master of Laws sa Harvard University, Bachelor of Laws sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, at Bachelor of Science in Economics sa London School of Economics, akma ang posisyon sa kanya upang mamuno sa DepEd.
Kabilang sa kanyang naunang gawaing pambatasan ang Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act at ang Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K-12).
Sinuportahan din siya ng mga natatanging educational organizations. Tumanggap siya ng mga endorso mula sa Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (Cocopea) at sa Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU).
Binigyang-diin ni Pangulong Marcos ang kritikal na tungkulin ng DepEd at ang pangangailangan para sa isang pinunong may kakayahang pangasiwaan ang malawakang operasyon nito.
“DepEd is arguably the most important department given the crucial role of education,” sabi ni Pangulong Marcos.
Kinilala ng Pangulo ang mahirap na desisyon ng pamimili at sinabing, “We have many excellent candidates.”
Pinasalamatan din ng Pangulo si Vice President Duterte sa kanyang naging serbisyo sa DepEd at inaaasahan niya ang maayos na transition sa pamumuno ni Angara.
Samantala, nagkakaisa ang kanyang mga kasamahan sa Senado na tugon si Angara sa kinakaharap na mga problema ng DepEd. Binati nila at pinuri ang mga nagawa na ni Angara sa pagsusulong ng edukasyon sa bansa. Narito ang kanilang mga pahayag.
Senate President Chiz Escudero
My heartfelt congratulations to Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara on his well-deserved appointment as Secretary of the Department of Education. This significant role reflects his extensive experience and unwavering commitment to improving our nation’s educational system.
Secretary Angara’s task ahead is indeed gargantuan, but I have full confidence in his ability to lead the DepEd with excellence and integrity. His proven track record in legislative work, particularly in education reform, uniquely positions him to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. His background in both Philippine and international education systems equips him with the necessary perspective and expertise to elevate our educational standards.
The Senate fully supports Secretary Angara, and we look forward to working collaboratively to fulfill our shared vision of an improved and inclusive education system for all Filipinos.
Congratulations once again, Secretary Angara. Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and I am certain that you will lead the DepEd to new heights of success.
The Senate fully supports Secretary Angara, and we look forward to working collaboratively to fulfill our shared vision of an improved and inclusive education system for all Filipinos.
Congratulations once again, Secretary Angara. Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and I am certain that you will lead the DepEd to new heights of success.
Former Senate President Migz Zubiri
Congratulations Sec. Sonny Angara!!
It is with my utmost pride and joy that I welcome the appointment of our dear friend, Brother and Seatmate in the Senate, Senator Sonny Angara, as the new Secretary of the Department of Education.
He is one of our most accomplished legislators and public servants, and I believe that he is more than qualified to head our most important agency, with the biggest share in the national budget no less.
Sen. Sonny brings to the DepEd his brilliant fiscal mind, being a former chair of the Senate finance panel, and his heart for our youth, being part of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). He also brings to the department great lessons he learned from his father, Tito Ed Angara, who was himself a passionate advocate of delivering quality education to every Filipino.
The Senate is losing an invaluable member, but the nation, and especially our children, is gaining an excellent education champion. I wish Secretary Sonny all the best, and I look forward to how he will improve the education landscape of our country in the coming years.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my colleague, Sen. Sonny Angara, on his appointment as incoming secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).
The President made the right decision in choosing him for the job, given Sen. Angara’s extensive experience and steadfast advocacy for educational reforms which significantly improved our educational system.
Hindi maitatanggi na ang pagpursigi niya sa pagsasabatas ng Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act na nagbigay daan para maging libre ang tuition at iba pang fees sa mga state universities and colleges ay malaki ang ambag para maabot ng marami nating kabataang Pilipino ang kanilang pangarap na makapagtapos sa pag-aaral at mabigyan ng dekalidad na edukasyon.
Kumpiyansa din ako na magsisilbing haligi si Sen. Sonny sa pagkakaroon ng mas marami pang reporma at innovative solutions hindi lamang para sa kagawaran kundi maging sa kabuuan ng sektor ng basic education ng bansa.
His appointment ensures that our educational system is in capable hands and reassures us of a future where education remains a top priority for our nation’s development.
Senator Joel Villanueva
The future will be bright and ‘Sonny’ for the Department of Education with an Angara at the helm.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our colleague, brother, and fellow education advocate, Senator Sonny Angara, on his appointment as secretary of the Department of Education.
Mahirap lang pong tanggapin na magkakahiwalay na kami at napakasakit po nito siyempre dahil bukod sa Senate seatmate, teammate ko din po sa basketball si Sen Sonny Angara. Subalit magkahiwalay man po ang Splash Bros ng Senado, magiging magkatuwang pa rin kami sa pagsusulong ng mga mahahalagang polisiya para itaas ang antas ng edukasyon sa bansa.
I have witnessed firsthand his unwavering passion and dedication to advancing education reforms in our country, from our days in the House of Representatives to his tenure in the Senate and now as fellow EDCOM2 Commissioners.
Senator Sonny’s appointment promises to uphold and build upon the transformative legacy of his father, the late Senator Edgardo Angara, who pioneered significant reforms in our education sector, notably through his efforts in EDCOM 1.
We offer our prayers for his success and assure him of our steadfast support as he assumes this important new role. Congrats Brother!
Senator Pia Cayetano
I am extremely pleased with the appointment of Senator Sonny Angara as the new Secretary of DepEd.
As a legislator, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, and a member of EDCOM 2, he has a deep understanding of the needs of the education sector. I’ve worked with him as Senior Vice Chair of the Committee on Finance for the last five years and we had many conversations on issues hounding Philippine education.
Interestingly, his dad, the late Senator Ed Angara, shared the same advocacy. He was the UP President during my freshman year in college and would later become the Senate Chair of Education and the first Chair of EDCOM 1.
My only hesitation in Sen. Sonny’s appointment as DepEd Secretary is that he will leave a huge gap in the Senate, being a lawyer, an experienced senator, and one of the most active on the floor.
I will miss you dearly, Sonny. Your corny jokes, maybe not so much, but our daily chats on so many things — family , sports, health, education, watching our kids spread their wings, reminiscing about our fathers. I will have to get you to play padel or run with me now so we can stay in touch.
As you follow in your father’s footsteps, I am certain he is beaming with pride. My prayers go with you as you take on this new role. We will support you all the way!
Senator Francis Tolentino
A well-deserved appointment. Congratulations to our new Department of Education Secretary, Sen. Sonny Angara!
Senator Win Gatchalian
Binabati ko ang ating bagong kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, Secretary Sonny Angara!
Batid natin ang kanyang kakayahan at kaalaman. Tiyak na magiging instrumento siya sa pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng ating DepEd.
Hindi nagkamali ang ating mahal na Pangulong BongBong Marcos sa pagpili sa ‘yo, Sec. Sonny! Patuloy tayong magtulungan para sa ikabubuti ng larangan ng edukasyon sa bansa.
Muli, Congratulations at mabuhay ka!
Senator Bong Go
I congratulate my distinguished colleague in the Senate, Senator Sonny Angara on his appointment as the new education secretary.
As a seasoned legislator who authored many milestone legislations, such as the Ladderized Education Act, Open High School Act, Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Alternative Learning System Act and Excellence in Education Act, among others, and as a workaholic commissioner of the 2nd Congressional Commission on Education, I am confident that he will be able to steer the massive education sector to greater heights.
Si Sen. Sonny ang kinikilala namin sa Senado na aming finance guru. Tiwala ako na ang kanyang kasanayan ay malaking tulong sa mas lalong pagpapabuti ng sistema ng edukasyon sa bansa.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, I look forward to working closely with Secretary Angara, as he has committed to build upon the accomplishments of former education secretary, Vice President Sara Duterte, in improving our policies and programs to bring more quality education to young Filipinos.
Again, Godspeed and congratulations!
Senator Koko Pimentel
Congratulations, Senator Sonny Angara, on your well-deserved appointment as the new Department of Education Secretary! Your dedication and hard work in the Senate have long been admired, and we know you will bring that same level of commitment to this new role.
Our education system faces many challenges, but I have no doubt that your extensive experience combined with innovative approach will be instrumental in addressing these issues. We are excited to see your vision for the future of Philippine education unfold. Congratulations once again, and I wish you all the best!
Senator Risa Hontiveros
Ngayong may kinakaharap tayong krisis sa edukasyon, mabuti at may pinili ang Presidente na mas kwalipikadong Education Secretary.
Sen. Sonny Angara is one of the most qualified and acceptable DepEd Secretaries among education reform advocates.
Bilang nakasama at nakatrabaho, mula sa Kamara hanggang sa Senado, Sen. Sonny’s work as legislator and as member of EDCOM 2 speaks volumes of his commitment and aspiration for a better education sector.
Still, Sen. Sonny will have a lot on his plate as Education Secretary. Bukod sa krisis sa edukasyon, kailangan niyang mas palakasin at patatagin pa ang sistema ng edukasyon, at patuloy na pagmalasakitan ang ating mga education workers and learners.
Inaasahan ko rin na masinop niyang gugulin ang pondo para sa edukasyon at mahikayat niya ang lahat ng sektor ng ating lipunan na magtulungan para sa mas dekalidad na sistema ng edukasyon.
Senator Nancy Binay
Congratulations sa aking kaibigang si Sen. Sonny Angara sa kaniyang appointment bilang bagong Education Secretary.
Alam naman natin na education is a great equalizer at napakalaki ng problem ng education ngayon and Sen. Sonny Angara for me is the best person for the job..
He is an excellent appointment — from the start of his term in 2013 one of his primary advocacies has always been education. As a very active participant of EDCOM 2 he has shown that he has an excellent grasp of the various issues hounding the education sector. Alam na niya ang mga problema, at aware na siya sa mga solusyon na natalakay na rin sa EDCOM.
May halong lungkot din dahil sabay kaming pumasok sa trabahong ito, pero mauuna siyang lalabas. Ang samahan namin sa Senate went beyond work to true friendship.
We in the Senate will miss the breadth of his knowledge especially on matters of finance and law.
But definitely, the Senate’s loss is the country’s gain.
Congratulations Senator Sonny Angara on your appointment as new Education Secretary. You are the best man for the job. Mamimiss kita seatmate!
Senator Bong Revilla
Binabati ko ang ating bagong kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, Secretary Sonny Angara.
Batid natin ang kanyang kakayahan at kaalaman. Tiyak na magiging instrumento siya sa pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng ating DepEd.
Hindi nagkamali ang ating mahal na Pangulong BongBong Marcos sa pagpili sa ‘yo, Sec. Sonny! Patuloy tayong magtulungan para sa ikabubuti ng larangan ng edukasyon sa bansa.
Muli, Congratulations at mabuhay ka!
Senator JV Ejercito
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my colleague and Xaverian brother, Senator Sonny Angara, on his appointment as the new Secretary of the Department of Education.
With his extensive educational background and commitment to public service, Sen. Angara is an excellent choice for this crucial role. I am confident that his leadership will bring significant positive changes to our education system.
Congratulations, my seatmate, my Xaverian brother! Luceat Lux!
Senator Loren Legarda
I would like to congratulate Senator Sonny Angara, our new Department of Education Secretary! With a strong educational background and significant contributions as the Commissioner of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), his leadership promises a bright future for Philippine education. Senator Sonny is one of the most hardworking and efficient senators our country has ever had.
During his tenure, he significantly enhanced our educational system through laws such as the Ladderized Education Act, the Open Learning and Distance Education Act, the Youth Entrepreneurship Act, Strengthening and Expanding the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) Act, the Open High School Act, Alternative Learning System Act, and the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act (UNIFAST).
His efforts have expanded access to education and created countless opportunities for Filipino students. I am confident that Senator Angara will drive progress and innovation, ensuring a promising future for all Filipino students. Congratulations, Senator Sonny Angara! We wish you great success in your new role.