By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
Government officials in Iloilo expressed their approval of Senator Sonny Angara’s appointment as the new Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), succeeding Vice President Sara Duterte.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas voiced satisfaction with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s selection, citing his experience working closely with Angara in Congress.
“He has a very good work ethic. He understands the needs of the LGUs when it comes to education. He has my full support as Education Secretary,” Treñas said on Tuesday, July 2.
Iloilo City’s lone district Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda commended the president for choosing a “qualified, experienced, and visionary leader to shepherd the Department of Education into the Bagong Pilipinas.”
She expressed confidence that Angara will champion initiatives to enhance the country’s education system.
“I know very well, too, how he values education as a platform to help people uplift their lives,” she added.
Meanwhile, Schools Division Office of Iloilo superintendent Ernesto Servillon Jr. described Angara’s appointment as “a welcome development,” noting ongoing activities with the senator’s office aimed at advancing education quality.
Servillon mentioned that the local government and other stakeholders are currently engaged in discussions on the “Proof of Concept Workshop on the Decentralization of Basic Education to Local Governments,” part of the provincial government’s education reform efforts to improve learning standards.
Iloilo is being considered as a pilot case for the devolution program.
“[Angara’s engagement] with the education sector is a strong indicator that he could lead the DepEd to greater heights. I am happy and I feel comfortable with Sen. Angara as our new Secretary,” he added.
Angara’s extensive legislative background includes landmark bills like the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013.
The senator will officially take the helm of DepEd starting July 19. ###
