Angara to work with all sectors to ensure access to quality education

MANILA – Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara on Tuesday said he is deeply honored and grateful to gain President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s trust by appointing him as new secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Angara promised to work with all sectors in the society, including his predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte, to ensure that Filipino students will have access to quality education.

"This significant responsibility is one I accept with humility and a profound sense of duty," Angara said in a statement.

Angara is serving his third term as senator that started in 2013 when he was elected during the mid-term elections after serving as congressman of Aurora province from 2004 to 2013.

He is a graduate of Xavier School, the London School of Economics, the University of the Philippines College of Law, and Harvard Law School. He has been a regular newspaper columnist, and a professor of Law.

In his 18 years as legislator, Angara has sponsored or authored more than 330 laws.

Angara was principal author of the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act and in the 19th Congress, he filed the National Digital Transformation Act, the Local ICT Officers Act, and the Science and Technology Parks Incentives Act, among many other measures.

Senate President Francis Escudero said he fully supports Angara's appointment, two weeks after Vice President Sara Duterte resigned.

"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," Escudero said in a statement.

He said this significant role reflects Angara's extensive experience and unwavering commitment to improving the nation's educational system.

Escudero admitted that leading the DepEd is a difficult task but nevertheless he trusted and have a full confidence in Angara's 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," he said.

Senator Loren Legarda also commended Angara whom she described his dedication and efficiency, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the needs and welfare of the Filipino youth.

Legarda said her fellow lawmaker had significantly improved the state of education in the country with laws such as the Ladderized Education Act, the Open Learning and Distance Education Act, the Youth Entrepreneurship Act, among others.

"I am confident that Senator Angara will drive progress and innovation, ensuring a promising future for all Filipino students," he said.

Former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Angara is the right man for the job.

Senator Nancy Binay described Angara's appointment as excellent.

"From the start of his term in 2013, one of his primary advocacies has always been education and a very active participant of EDCOM II he has shown that he has an excellent grasp of the various issues hounding the education sector," she said.

Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. said Angara is the best person for the position.

"He has a grasp and good understanding of the education system – what needs to be done, and how to do it – at 'yan ang kailangan sa DepEd (that is what DepEd needs)," Revilla said.

Senator Lito Lapid said he fully supports the appointment of Angara, saying this will be a huge challenge to his capability.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said Angara is one of the most qualified and acceptable DepEd Secretaries among education reform advocates. (PNA)