MANILA – The Philippines has a new education secretary.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara as the new Secretary of the Department of Education, starting from 19 July. The announcement was made during a Cabinet meeting at Malacañang, according to a press release from the Presidential Communications Office on 2 July.

Senator Angara – whose current Senate term was set to conclude in 2025 – will be taking over the role from Vice President Sara Duterte, who stepped down from her position as the head of DepEd on 19 June, creating a vacancy that Angara will now fill.

Despite being named as the new DepEd Secretary, Angara was not present at the Cabinet meeting where President Marcos Jr. made the announcement. The PCO’s press release did not provide details on why Angara was absent during this significant announcement.

A new chapter of leadership at DepEd

The appointment marks a new chapter of leadership at the Department of Education. With Angara – a seasoned legislator – stepping into the role, the focus will likely be on continuing and potentially expanding the educational reforms initiated by his predecessor, Duterte.

The significance of this change lies in the potential for new educational policies and reforms that Angara may introduce, leveraging his legislative experience. His appointment comes at a crucial time when the education sector is facing numerous challenges, including post-pandemic recovery and the need for substantial improvements in educational standards and infrastructure, including the upskilling and reskilling of Philippine talent. The country boasts a high literacy rate but contends with gaps in developing its human resources.

Angara’s move from the Senate to DepEd highlights the strategic impact of aligning experienced lawmakers with executive roles to drive critical sectors. His leadership could bring fresh perspectives and renewed vigour to the Department of Education, potentially influencing long-term educational outcomes in the country.

Support for Angara from education groups

The Presidential Communications Office said several key educational organisations have endorsed Angara for the position of DepEd secretary. Among these endorsers are the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations and the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities.

Marcos highlighted the importance of the DepEd role, describing it as arguably the most crucial department due to the value of education in the country. 

On Tuesday, Angara expressed his gratitude to Marcos for appointing him to lead the DepEd. He acknowledged the trust placed in him and the responsibilities that come with this significant role.

The endorsement of Angara by prominent educational organisations suggests a broad consensus on his capability to lead the DepEd. This support indicates confidence in his ability to address the pressing issues within the education sector.

By placing a seasoned legislator at the helm of DepEd, the administration aims to ensure that the department is led by someone with the experience and insight needed to implement effective educational policies and reforms. The move could have long-term positive impacts on the country's educational system.

Who is Sonny Angara, the new education secretary of the Philippines?

Angara's legislative efforts aim to provide opportunities for every Filipino family. Over his 18 years in Congress, then as a Senator from 2013 to the present, he has sponsored or authored more than 330 laws. Notable among these are the Free College Law, the Free Kindergarten Law, the Universal Healthcare Act, the expanded Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Act, the Kasambahay Law, the OWWA Charter, the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, and the National Sports Academy Act.

Angara currently chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, playing a crucial role in the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic through legislation such as the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Act, and the Health Emergency Allowance for Health Workers Law. He has also chaired the Committee on Youth, where he supported reforms like the SK Reform, which provides monthly honoraria to SK members, secretaries, and treasurers. In the 19th Congress, he continues to advocate for greater youth participation in policy-making and nation-building.

Since 2019, Senator Angara has promoted the “Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino)” campaign, which aims to enhance the sophistication and global competitiveness of Philippine goods and services. As part of this initiative, he has filed bills such as the Exports and Investments Development Act (EIDA), the Domestic Bidders Preference Programme Act, the National Quality Policy and Infrastructure (NQI) Act, and the Shared Service Facilities Act.

Recognising the potential of Filipino professionals in the digital economy, Angara was the principal author of the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act. In the 19th Congress, he has continued this focus by filing the National Digital Transformation Act, the Local ICT Officers Act, and the Science and Technology Parks Incentives Act, among other measures.

Senator Angara is an alumnus of Xavier School, the London School of Economics, the University of the Philippines College of Law, and Harvard Law School.