DepEd chief Sonny Angara gets CA nod

The Commission on Appointments (CA) approved the ad interim appointment of former Senator Sonny Angara as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) during the plenary session on Wednesday afternoon.

Senate President and CA Chairperson Francis “Chiz” Escudero officially declared Angara’s confirmation as DepEd Secretary after a motion from CA Majority Floor Leader and Camarines Sur Representative Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr.

CA Committee on Education chairperson Senator Raffy Tulfo on Wednesday morning quickly approved the motion to recommend to the plenary Angara's appointment.

Angara's former colleagues in both the Senate and House of Representatives commended him for his track record and legislative work on education.

Tulfo cited Angara's experience in finance along with his legislative accomplishments. 

“With these reasons not even meaning to mention the Secretary’s academic achievements, awards, and public service work, I know that Sec. Sonny will be more than capable of leading the country to a better future for the students that he will take under his wing,” Tulfo said.

According to DepEd, Angara’s key accomplishments include laws that address the welfare and needs of teachers and students, such as the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, Excellence in Teacher Education Act, Inclusive Education Act, Alternative Learning System Act, Free College Law, Universal Access to Tertiary Education Act, Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, Anti-Bullying Law, and Student Fare Discount.

Angara replaced Vice President Sara Duterte as DepEd Secretary on July 19. Duterte announced her resignation as DepEd chief in June. — VBL, GMA Integrated News