MANILA – Newly-appointed Department of Education (DepEd) secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara has promised to continue the work done by his predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
In a speech on Thursday morning, Angara said his team will hit the ground running to further enhance programs that will promote quality education for students as it is a pillar of the nation’s progress.
“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,” Angara 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-Carpio, in her last speech as DepEd chief, highlighted the programs and projects implemented during her two-year tenure.
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.
“Ngunit aaminin ko na sa ikli ng panahon, may mga hakbang na sadyang hindi natin natapos,” Duterte-Carpio said. “Nais kong ipaubaya ito sa ating susunod na kalihim ng kagawaran.”
Angara then expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for trusting him as education secretary as he promised to work on the Chief Executive’s challenge.
“Buong pagpapakumbaba kong tinatanggap ang katungkulan na ito, bilang tugon sa tiwala at hamon ng ating Pangulo na higit na pag-ibayuhin ang mga programa na magsusulong sa mataas na kalidad ng karunungan para sa ating mga mag-aaral,” Angara said.
He added: “Gagawin natin ang lahat para makamit ang mga pagbabago at reporma na naayon sa mga layunin ng isang Bagong Pilipinas.”
Angara was named the new DepEd secretary by President Marcos on July 2, weeks after Duterte-Carpio announced her resignation, which will take effect today, July 19, 2024./PN
