June 24, 2024 - In the wake of Vice President Sara Duterte’s resignation as education secretary, Sen. Sonny Angara’s name has emerged as a potential successor. However, Angara clarified to Senate reporters that he has not been approached about the position. He mentioned that he is one of three University of the Philippines graduates being considered by President Marcos for the role, alongside Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual.
Angara, currently serving his second and final term in the Senate, will step down in 2025. While he has not disclosed his future plans, there is speculation that he may run for a local position in his home province of Aurora.
Endorsements for New DepEd Chief
Meanwhile, Rep. Joey Salceda, chair of the House committee on ways and means, has endorsed Commission on Higher Education chair Prospero de Vera III and Synergeia Foundation’s Milwida Guevara as potential candidates for the DepEd chief position. Salceda praised De Vera for his significant contributions to the education sector, particularly his efforts to secure funding for community colleges under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education program. This initiative has greatly benefited poor and underserved communities by increasing the number of college graduates.
Salceda also highlighted Guevara’s role in identifying and addressing structural issues within the education system. He noted that Synergeia Foundation has been instrumental in advocating for necessary reforms.
The search for a new education secretary continues as the government seeks a leader who can build on the progress made and address the ongoing challenges in the education sector.