Angara calls on ASEAN to prioritize digitalization in educ sector

Education Secretary Sonny Angara has urged ASEAN member states to prioritize digital transformation in developing the education sector.

During the 13th ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting (ASED), Angara made the call as he believes that this would better prepare the region's youth for future challenges.

“We have a duty to ensure that our students are not merely passive recipients of knowledge but active citizens capable of shaping their futures and contributing to the growth of their communities and the entire ASEAN region," Angara said in a press statement.

He further highlighted the collective responsibility of policymakers in order to equip learners with the skills and values that are needed to thrive in an “increasingly digital world.”

The former senator stressed the urgency of these reforms as ASEAN approaches critical deadlines for its Community Blueprints.

The region also started developing post-2025 strategic plans, according to Angara.

While advocating for digital advancements, Angara also reminded the audience that education “remains a fundamentally human endeavor, requiring strong institutions, evidence-based policies, competent civil servants, and an engaged network of stakeholders.”

"Yes, the future will be increasingly digital, but we must remember that education is still a human endeavor—technology is simply a tool to address real human challenges," he said.

As President of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Council from 2023 to 2024, the Philippine government has initiated several programs to foster digital transformation in the education sector. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News