Angara officially takes over DepEd post

Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday officially took over the helm of the Department of Education (DepEd).

This, after former Education Secretary and Vice President Sara turned over the post in a ceremony held at the DepEd Complex in Pasig City.

During the turnover, Duterte passed on to Angara the department's seal and flag, as well as a transition report.

Before the turnover ceremony, Duterte toured Angara inside the DepEd building.

Duterte, in her last speech as DepEd chief, highlighted the programs and projects which were implemented during her two-year tenure as DepEd chief.

Among the programs and projects she mentioned were the Matatag agenda, the K to 10 Matatag Curriculum, the review of the Senior High School curriculum, launching of the National Learning Recovery Plan, and the return of in-person classes for approximately 27 million learners across the country.

Duterte, however, admits that there are some that remain unfinished.

"Ngunit aaminin ko na sa ikli ng panahon, may mga hakbang na sadyang hindi natin natapos," she said.

(I admit that in that short time, some of the initiatives remain unfinished.)

"Nais kong ipaubaya ito sa ating susunod na kalihim ng kagawaran," she added. 

(I would like to leave it to our next department secretary.)

She then urged the DepEd to give the same warm welcome that she received to Angara.

"We would like to warmly welcome Secretary Sonny Angara to the Department of Education family. Welcome to the chaos, Sec.," Duterte said in jest.

'New Chapter'

In his first speech as the Education Secretary, Angara said he will make sure to "hit the ground running."

"Buong pagpapakumbaba kong tinatanggap ang katungkulan na ito, bilang tugon sa tiwala at hamon ng ating Pangulo na higit sa pag-ibayuhin ang mga programa na magsusulong sa mataas na kalidad ng karunungan para sa ating mga mag-aaral," Angara said.

(I humbly accept this position, in response to our President's trust and challenge to further enhance programs that will promote quality education for our students.)

"Gagawin natin ang lahat para makamit ang mga pagbabago at reporma na naayon sa mga layunin ng isang Bagong Pilipinas," he added.

(We will do everything to achieve the reforms that are in line with the goals of a "New Philippines.")

Angara acknowledged Duterte and outgoing officials for serving the department for two years and for cooperating in ensuring a smooth transition after the change in leadership.

"We will build from what you have already started....As we assume our role and start a new chapter for DepEd, we want to hit the ground running and we want to learn from all of you here as we go along," he said.

"Please help us in this journey as education is a pillar of our nation’s progress. It is only through a nation’s efforts that education will be improved and made more effective. I hope we can all work together," he added.

Duterte quit the post on June 19, 2024. Her resignation will take effect on Friday, July 19, 2024. 

Angara was named as the new DepEd secretary by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on July 2, 2024.

Angara's resignation letter

In a letter addressed to Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, Angara indicated that his resignation as senator is effective Thursday, July 18.

According to Angara's media relations chief, the former senator will be assuming his position as the DepEd secretary on Friday, July 19.

"I have served our countrymen through the Senate of the Philippines for 11 years. And in that period, I have been able to shepherd landmark legislation making quality education and healthcare more accessible; increasing the take-home pay of our workers; increasing the social pensions of senior citizens; exempting PWDs from VAT; giving incentives to our national athletes and coaches; and providing bigger support to Tatak Pinoy industries, among many others," Angara said in his resignation letter.

"The portfolio that I will be taking on as DepEd Secretary is riddled with very serious challenges. But I am confident that with your support and of the rest of my colleagues at the Senate, these challenges are surmountable," he added.

Angara was supposed to end his two terms in the Senate in 2025 prior to his appointment to the DepEd.

Red-tagging

Meanwhile, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers-Philippines (ACT-Philippines) on Thursday called on Angara to ensure that there will be no red-tagging under his leadership.

“Kailangan sigurong tiyakin ni Secretary Angara na matitigil na 100% ang red-tagging sa loob ng DepEd,” ACT Teachers Party-List chairperson Antonio Tinio said in a press conference.

(Secretary Angara needs to ensure that red-tagging will stop 100% within DepEd).

"Dapat malinaw na tumindig siya na walang ano mang puwang ng red-tagging sa DepEd at irerespeto ang karapatan ng mga guro, kawani, at mga estudyante sa pagpapahayag, sa pagsali sa kanilang mga organisasyon, at sa malayang pagkilos ng mga organisasyon na ito,” he added.

(He needs to make it clear that red-tagging is not allowed and that the right of teachers, personnel, and students to express themselves, join organizations, and protest should be respected.)

He also asked Angara to set aside the Matatag 10-K curriculum or the revised Kindergarten to Grade 10 (K-10) curriculum of basic education.

ACT previously said that Angara was a “much-improved choice” and that it “sees him as someone the alliance can work with.”

—with reports from Joahna Lei Casilao/ VAL/VDV, GMA Integrated News