The senator replaces VP Sara
TACLOBAN CITY – The appointment of Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) has been warmly welcomed by officials in Eastern Visayas.
Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone highlighted Angara’s extensive knowledge of education, which makes him a fitting choice for the education portfolio.
“I welcome and fully support the appointment of Sen. Sonny Angara as the new DepEd Secretary. Sec. Angara has extensive knowledge about education. In fact, education has been his priority sector in terms of budgetary support, advocacies, and initiatives,” Evardone said in a statement sent to the Inquirer.
“I am sure that he will bring to DepEd his wealth of expertise, experience, and knowledge. I hope that all stakeholders in the education sector should rally and support Sec. Angara,” he added.
Leyte board member Carlo Loreto also expressed support for Angara’s appointment, calling it a wise decision.
“(Sen.) Sonny Angara’s appointment as Education Secretary is a decision that resonates with wisdom and foresight. His track record as a dedicated public servant, coupled with his extensive efforts in improving educational infrastructure and responding effectively to crises, make him an ideal candidate for this significant position,” Loreto said.
Loreto, a former vice governor of Leyte, said that Angara has funded the construction of several school buildings and gymnasiums across the province during his tenure as a senator.
“With his new role as Education Secretary, Sen. Angara is poised to revitalize the Department of Education (DepEd) and propel the educational system towards greater heights,” he added.
Rep. Marcelino Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group shared his personal connection with Angara, recalling their time together in the 11th Congress.
“I know him. He is brilliant as we worked together during the 11th Congress,” Libanan said.
He acknowledged that Angara’s background as a politician might be seen as a setback, but emphasized Angara’s dedication to service.
“That is okay. What is important is that he has the heart and mind to serve. At any rate, the DepEd secretary is an alter ego of the President who is a politician,” Libanan said.
The regional office of the DepEd expressed their enthusiasm for Angara’s appointment following the sudden resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“The DepEd community looks forward to working with the new leadership as we continue our relentless pursuit towards improving the quality of Basic Education in the country,” Jazmin Calzita, the regional information officer, said in a statement.(JOEY A. GABIETA)
