SENATOR Sonny Angara has a new role to play in the Philippine government and the lives of Filipino students: becoming the new secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd).

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed Angara’s appointment on Tuesday, July 2, replacing Vice President Sara Duterte who resigned on June 19.

The senator, whose legislative works include the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K to 12 program), will take his new post on July 19, it added.

In a statement, Angara expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. for entrusting him with the position of Education secretary.

“This significant responsibility is one I accept with humility and a profound sense of duty. I am committed to working with all sectors of society, including my predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte, to ensure that every Filipino child has access to quality education,” stressed Angara.

The lawmaker said he is looking forward to working with the current administration to improve the country’s education system, which he described as “the cornerstone of our nation’s future.”

“I am eager to collaborate with President Marcos and the entire administration in serving our students, supporting our teachers, and enhancing the overall quality of education in our country,” he said.

He added, “Together, with the dedication of all stakeholders, we will strive to create a brighter future for our nation through education.”

Last month, Duterte resigned from Marcos’ Cabinet, relinquishing her position not only in the DepEd but also as the vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero previously vouched for Angara as the new DepEd secretary, saying he would be an “excellent choice” for the position.

Meanwhile, several of Angara’s colleagues in the upper chamber, including senators Loren Legarda and Win Gatchalian, congratulated him on his appointment.

The DepEd also welcomed Angara and said it is looking forward to working with him as it continues its “relentless pursuit towards improving the quality of Basic Education in the country.”

Educator over politician

However, a teachers’ group had expressed disapproval of appointing a politician as the DepEd chief, stressing that an educator should have been considered for the post.

“A politician is inherently prone to partisan biases that could potentially jeopardize the neutrality expected of a DepEd leader. Instead of focusing on their duties, a politician in such a role often ends up defending against political attacks, detracting from the department’s core functions and programs,” said TDC’s National Chairperson Benjo Basas.

He decried how “qualified individuals” with teaching experiences were not chosen for the position.

“For us, it’s painful, if not insulting, that teachers themselves are not considered when they should ideally be the primary choice, not politicians,” he stressed.

The group then reiterated three qualifications it is looking for in a new DepEd secretary:

• They should not have any political affiliations
• They should possess strong management skills with experience in educational leadership
• They should have a background in academia, particularly in public school teaching

Basas appealed to Marcos to “not use appointments as political accommodations or experiments in the education sector.”